Space Enterprise Optimization Analyst/ Space Enterprise Optimization Specialist

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

The Space Enterprise Design and Optimization Department (SEDOD) is in EED’s Enterprise Design Subdivision (EDS). We bring to bear expertise in a wide variety of fields to tackle tough problems and explore novel ideas, focusing on the performance modeling, analysis, and optimization of orbits, mission architectures, and acquisition portfolios to inform the future of the national space enterprise.

As part of SEDOD and EDS, a member of our technical staff will employ and develop sophisticated simulation tools to perform space and ground design, optimization, and analysis in support of architecture concept trade studies, requirements verification, analyses-of-alternatives, and performance modeling. Additionally, this staff member will leverage optimization techniques to enable our customers to make data-driven decisions regarding portfolio composition, budget planning, and commercial purchasing. They will act as a technical expert for a portfolio of high-impact projects, in addition to working on teams and collaborating with other analysts to expand their domain knowledge.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA; El Segundo, CA; or Colorado Springs, CO, offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Independently and collaboratively providing subject matter expertise to program offices and government customers in the areas of space architecture design and optimization, space network design, orbital analysis, and space security and defense

Leveraging in-house and commercial- and government-off-the-shelf engineering analysis tools to deliver technical insights through analytical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments in department focus areas

Contributing to efforts expanding department optimization capabilities to support a broader set of mission domains and architectures

Developing and presenting timely and technically-accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions to technical leads, management, and customers

Building and maintaining a strong base of customers and collaborators for the department through effective working relationships with cross-organization partners, government customers, and contractor teammates

Identifying and instigating opportunities to sustain, develop, and grow simulation and analysis capabilities to support new functional areas for a diverse customer base

Supporting department growth by technical mentoring of junior staff members in one or more department capability areas

Occasional travel to support customer efforts

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Sr. Member of the Technical Staff:

B.S. degree in aerospace, astronautical, or mechanical engineering, physics, operations research, mathematics, or a related field of science or engineering

Four or more years of relevant and progressive professional experience

Experience with constellation design, orbital mechanics, or mathematics related to satellite access geometry

Significant history of making effective contributions to a wide range of technical analysis or development projects

Ability to support multiple programs and/or activities simultaneously act as a technical point-of-contact

Lead and mentor small teams in conducting routine analysis and development tasks as part of larger project efforts

Knowledge of Python, C, C++, MATLAB, or another programming language

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (TS/SCI), which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Engineering Specialist include:

6 or more years of relevant experience

Familiarity with one or more of the following: optimization techniques, space network design, orbital mechanics, or mathematics related to satellite access geometry

Significant history of consistent contribution to multiple substantial technical analytical or development projects through their successful fruition  Strong personal accountability, demonstrated growth mindset, and adaptable to changing customer expectations

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

A graduate degree in aerospace, astronautical, or mechanical engineering, physics, operations research, mathematics, or a related field of science or engineering

Graduate level course work or extensive knowledge in optimization techniques, genetic algorithms, space network design, orbital mechanics, space satellite constellation performance modeling and/or mathematics related to satellite access geometry

Work history in one of these specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: geo-spatial intelligence, signals intelligence, space surveillance, space protection, or satellite communication networks supporting defense or intelligence capabilities

Familiarity with Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) principles, particularly access geometry considerations for electro-optical (EO) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) collection systems

Experience with the use of Unix or Linux platforms

Extensive knowledge of Intelligence Community or U.S. Department of Defense business practices, acquisition policies, or space mission portfolios

Current SCI access with a current Counter-Intelligence (CI) polygraph

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$100,300.00 - $175,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

Operate Strategically Lead Change   Engage with Impact   Foster Innovation   Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

Flexible spending accounts

Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

Relocation assistance

Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

Education assistance programs

An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.