Trajectory Optimization Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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. Lead the Flight Dynamics Team Advancing Critical Space Missions Space operations have entered a new era. Launch vehicles push the boundaries of performance. Spacecraft execute increasingly complex maneuvers across diverse mission profiles. Whether supporting national security, civil space agencies, or commercial operators, every mission-critical decision depends on precise flight dynamics analysis. The Aerospace Corporation is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) providing technical expertise to the nation's space programs. We deliver innovative solutions across satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers. The Opportunity The Mission Operations Subdivision seeks a Director for our Earth-Orbit Flight Dynamics Department (EOFD). Lead a world-class team of trajectory optimization experts, orbital mechanics specialists, and operations analysts supporting Earth-orbiting space missions from launch to end-of-life. Partner directly with DoW, Intelligence Community, and Civil & Commercial organizations to develop trajectory solutions, maneuver strategies, and operational tactics for America's space assets in an increasingly congested, contested domain. Why This Role Matters Flight dynamics expertise underpins mission success across national security, civil, and commercial space. The department's scope ranges from traditional orbital mechanics support to real-time warfighting analysis, resiliency assessment, and dynamic space operations. As Director, you will: * Drive strategic vision for flight dynamics capabilities across launch vehicles, spacecraft maneuvers, and mission operations * Advance space operations through innovative tactics development and mission architecture analysis * Shape technical investment in trajectory optimization tools, astrodynamics frameworks, and AI/ML-enabled mission planning systems * Mentor the next generation of experts across flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, and trajectory optimization * Bridge defense, intelligence, civil, commercial, and international communities to accelerate innovation Your Impact As Director, you'll have the authority and platform to: * Partner with senior leaders across government agencies, military organizations, and space operators on critical flight dynamics challenges * Lead a geographically distributed team of engineers across Aerospace locations * Advance trajectory optimization, maneuver planning, and space operations capabilities supporting critical missions * Mentor and develop technical talent across a growing portfolio of customer programs Work Model Full-time position, minimum four days per week onsite based in Chantilly, VA; Colorado Springs, CO; or El Segundo, CA. What You'll Be Doing Strategic Leadership * Develop and execute a strategic vision for a multi-location department, managing 25+ technical staff and managers * Partner with customers to develop innovative flight dynamics solutions and position EOFD as the technical authority in Earth-orbit flight dynamics and trajectory optimization * Formulate business strategies alongside Engineering and Technology Group partners in critical flight mechanics domains, such as tactics development, spacecraft maneuver design, or rendezvous and proximity operations * Advise Aerospace leadership on technical investments and organizational strategies Technical Innovation * Drive flight dynamics excellence across launch vehicle trajectory design, multi-burn orbit transfers, and electric/hybrid propulsion optimization * Infuse AI/ML into optimization techniques to transform trajectory design for launch and Earth-orbiting flight regimes * Collaborate across divisions to integrate flight dynamics with space domain awareness and multi-disciplinary mission analysis Business Development & Customer Engagement * Cultivate relationships across defense agencies, intelligence organizations, NASA, and commercial space operators * Drive business development and capture planning for organizational growth in advanced mission operations and responsive space capabilities * Represent the department at customer engagements, corporate forums, and technical conferences Team Development * Lead workforce development initiatives including recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retention strategies * Manage department resources including staffing, facilities, and classified IT infrastructure * Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence What You Need to be Successful (Minimum Requirements) * Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related STEM field * 10+ years of progressively responsible technical experiences in flight dynamics, astrodynamics, or trajectory design * Proven leadership experience managing technical organizations, including staff development, performance evaluation, strategic planning, and R&D portfolio development * Executive-level customer relationships with demonstrated success building partnerships across organizations * Business development acumen with proven track record of expanding customer relationships * Exceptional communication skills to influence senior government officials, industry partners, and internal stakeholders * Experience managing distributed teams across multiple geographic locations * Strategic thinking to synthesize complex technical, programmatic, and customer needs into actionable vision * Collaborative leadership fostering excellence across organizational boundaries * Willingness to travel domestically based on organizational and customer needs * Current TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP access How You Can Stand Out Academic Excellence * Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in aerospace engineering, astronautics, applied mathematics, or related field Technical Depth * Deep expertise in launch vehicle trajectory design, electric/hybrid propulsion mission design, complex space operations and resiliency analysis, or high-fidelity orbital mechanics * Knowledge of AI/ML applications for trajectory optimization and automated mission design Mission Experience * Track record developing and maturing flight dynamics operational capabilities from concept to operations * Operational experience supporting direct flight operations, exercises, wargaming, or operational decision-making Additional Areas * Demonstrated supervisory experience in aerospace, defense, or national security organizations * FFRDC experience or similar advisory roles supporting government decision-making * Experience bridging commercial, defense, and civil space sectors with multi-disciplinary systems engineering background 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)
$185,100.00 - $277,600.00 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 peoplema