2025, Space Tactics and Orbital Engagement Modeling Analyst

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Want to be at the forefront of space innovation? The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business areas against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

The RPO Analysis and Integration Department (RAID) is one of SED’s premier orbital engagement and rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) modeling and analysis groups. We deliver impactful mission-level modeling and simulation support to a variety of military and civil customers to enable the key missions that will service and protect critical space infrastructure.

Work Model

This position will be a hybrid work model and offer partially remote with some onsite work required in Colorado Springs, CO, El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Independently apply standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria to perform modeling, simulation, analysis, and tool development in department focus areas
• Plan and conduct technical analysis, trade studies, and assessments in teams with multi-disciplinary technical leaders, Aerospace Program Office personnel, and external customers to define and address customer needs in the areas of RPO, formation flight, on-orbit servicing, and space engagement tactics
• Develop and present timely and technically accurate briefings and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions to technical leads, management, and customers
• Expand the department’s analysis capabilities by advancing the evolution of analysis tools/workflows and by mentoring/training new analysts
• Lead small teams of peers or more junior staff in conducting routine analysis and development tasks as part of larger project efforts
• Occasional travel to support customer efforts
  
  

What You Need To Be Successful (minimum Requirements)

• PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field (pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry experience
• Previous Aerospace Corporation internship
• Experience in technical writing and technical presentation
• Demonstrated experience in leading small teams of performers
• Experience in modeling rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) or satellite formation flight
• Proven ability to self-manage multiple tasks independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in one of the following computer languages: C, C++, Fortran, Java, Matlab, Python
• Willing to travel domestically (10%)
• The ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts required
  
  

How you can stand-out (it would be impressive if you have one or more of these):

• Experience in advanced mathematical topics, such as optimization theory, game theory, statistical estimation, and numerical analysis
• Experience with multi-domain effects modeling or effects chain analysis
• Experience in modern software development, integration, and testing practices
• Experience collaborating with program office personnel and government customers
• Significant contribution to a substantial technical analytical or development project through its successful completion
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance
  
  

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 - Mid - Max)

$110,000 - $120,000 - $130,000

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.