Launch Vehicle Mission Design/GNC 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.

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.

Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. DSG also assists the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Mission Design/GNC Engineer will coordinate Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) activities for the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles and Certification activities for the New Glenn launch system. This position will support the Launch Systems, Operations, and Development (LSOD) team within the Launch Systems Division to provide leadership and expertise in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Day of Launch (DOL) Winds, Mission Design and Performance, and Flight Operations. It will ensure successful execution of National Security Space Launches (NSSL) missions and conduct non-recurring validation of new capabilities.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-5 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support the Space Force Assured Access to Space and the Office of Space Launch
• Coordinate analyses for mission design and performance, orbit insertion accuracy, stability, navigation errors, DOL winds, collision avoidance (COLA), and debris disposal
• Ensure mission requirements compliance
• Evaluate and mitigate technical risks
• Assess and verify GNC algorithms, flight software parameters, and system redundancy
• Provide launch support and post-flight data assessments
• Lead development of new agile mission assurance capabilities and digital engineering tools

What You Need to be Successful – Project Engineer, Guidance, Navigation, and Control

Minimum Requirements:

• B.S. in Engineering or related technical field
• 6 or more years of applicable experience
• Experience in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Mission Design and Performance or a related field
• Familiarity with six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) simulations
• Knowledge of orbit design optimization
• Ability to form and lead cross-disciplinary teams
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external organizations
• A current Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret Clearance, 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 Senior Project Engineer, Guidance, Navigation, and Control include:

• 12 or more years of applicable experience
• Experience leading GNC and trajectory design efforts
• Involvement in complex simulation developments
• Experience in leading risk assessment and anomaly resolution efforts
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with engineering, customer, and contractor personnel

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Masters or PhD degree with emphasis on guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)
• Proficiency in launch vehicle or missile GNC and Mission Design
• Experience leading complex simulation development with flight software integration
• Demonstrated leadership abilities
• Experience with developing digital engineering tools
• Familiarity with government requirements and standards related to launch vehicle GNC

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)

$151,300 - $226,900

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.