Mission Engineering Research and Operations Support Engineer

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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The Mission Engineering Research and Operations Support Engineer (Sr Member of Technical Staff OR Project Engineer – Flight Mechanics) will work collaboratively with customer operations and engineering teams to support critical aerospace and space domain awareness projects. This individual will contribute to activities ranging from sensor network analysis and spacecraft operation verification to data management and mission planning support. The role requires strong technical and analytical skills, aerospace engineering expertise with robust computational and data analytical abilities, as well as the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. This position will assist in daily operations, help maintain efficient data flow from space sensors and ground-based systems, and ensure that technical documentation and modern analytical tools are available and up to date.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide guidance and leadership to a team supporting spacecraft operations, sensor network monitoring, and mission simulation activities with minimal supervision
• Support and guide the design, implementation, and maintenance of scheduling tools, operational databases, and satellite tracking campaign execution
• Independently evaluate, select, and apply engineering techniques and procedures using professional judgment
• Lead integration of multi-sensor data and contribute to technical reports, research documentation, and customer briefings
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation including SOPs, CONOPS, user manuals, and operational readiness assessments
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including operations staff, research scientists, and engineers
• Manage project components including planning, milestone tracking, and progress reporting to stakeholders
• Interface regularly with customers on matters of technical importance

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff -  Flight Mechanics

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field

• 3+ years of experience in aerospace engineering or operations experience

• Working knowledge of MATLAB, SQL, and Linux command-line environments

• Experience with aerospace engineering tools (STK, GMAT, or similar mission analysis software)

• Demonstrated experience processing sensor data, telemetry, and large-scale aerospace datasets

• Proficiency with version control (Git/GitHub) and database querying

• Willing to travel approx. 10-15%

• This position requires a current and active TS/SBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Project Engineer - Flight Mechanics include:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field

• 6+ years of experience in aerospace engineering or operations experience

• Working knowledge of orbital mechanics, spacecraft attitude determination and control, or astrodynamics

• Experience with space situational awareness or space traffic management systems

• Understanding of spacecraft subsystems and systems engineering principles

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Masters or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field

• 8+ years of experience in relevant aerospace engineering or operations experience

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Experience with spacecraft operations, mission control procedures, or sensor network operations

• Proven track record of technical writing and presenting to diverse audiences

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers

• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration

• Ability to adapt and learn new techniques based on project needs

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)

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.