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Trajectory Optimization Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Guidance & Control Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$82K - $220K/yr

Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques. Significant knowledge in the design and analysis of control systems. Significant knowledge of design and ...

Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques. Strong leadership and team management skills. Ability to motivate and develop a team of professionals. Excellent ...

Intermediate Orbit Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

$125K - $153K/yr

Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national ... This role involves conducting detailed trajectory assessments, performing conjunction analysis, and ...

Intermediate Orbit Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

$125K - $153K/yr

Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national ... This role involves conducting detailed trajectory assessments, performing conjunction analysis, and ...

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Trajectory Optimization information

What is the difference between Trajectory Optimization vs Motion Planning Engineer?

AspectTrajectory OptimizationMotion Planning Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, knowledge of optimization algorithmsEngineering or robotics degree, familiarity with planning algorithms
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, robotics companies, aerospaceRobotics firms, autonomous vehicle companies, industrial automation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed to generate optimal paths and motions for robots and vehiclesDesigns feasible paths considering obstacles and constraints

Trajectory Optimization focuses on mathematically finding the best possible path for a robot or vehicle by minimizing or maximizing certain criteria. Motion Planning Engineers develop practical, collision-free paths considering environment constraints. While both roles involve path generation, Trajectory Optimization emphasizes mathematical optimization, whereas Motion Planning Engineers focus on real-world implementation and obstacle avoidance.

What is trajectory optimization?

Trajectory optimization is a process used in engineering and robotics to calculate the most efficient path or movement for a system or vehicle, often considering constraints like energy, time, or safety. Professionals in this field use mathematical models and algorithms to develop optimal trajectories, frequently utilizing tools such as MATLAB or Python. The role may require knowledge of control systems, programming, and simulation techniques.

What are popular job titles related to Trajectory Optimization jobs in Virginia?

For Trajectory Optimization jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trajectory Optimization jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Trajectory Optimization jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Trajectory Optimization jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Trajectory Optimization job openings:

Infographic showing various Trajectory Optimization job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 72% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution.

$70K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Aerospace Engineer Location: NASA, Hampton, Virginia (Primary) Category: Engineering Job Type: Full-Time Education: Bachelor's Degree Security Clearance Required: None Job Description STC is seeking exceptional aerospace engineers to join our team supporting NASA's human spaceflight, planetary exploration, and other critical missions. We are augmenting our staff and are looking for several motivated individuals with expertise in flight dynamics, especially modeling and analysis of aerospace vehicles. We are interested in individuals with the ability to contribute to research efforts including system performance evaluations, spacecraft trajectory optimization, guidance, navigation and control system modelling.

Salary: $70,000 - $110,000, commensurate with experienceB.S. in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent. (Required) M.S

or Ph.D. in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent. (Preferred) Familiarity with flight mechanics, control systems, and dynamics simulation

(Required) Strong written and oral communication skills. (Required) Experience in one or more of the following areas: (Required) Entry descent and landing design and analysis Launch vehicle analysis Flight testing including post-flight data analysis Simulation development Trajectory optimization Orbital dynamics Parameter identification Background in multi-body dynamics and/or subsystem modeling. (Preferred) Experience with Matlab / Simulink, FORTRAN, C/C++, or similar languages.

(Preferred) U.S. Citizenship (Required)B.S. in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent

(Required) M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent

(Preferred) Familiarity with flight mechanics, control systems, and dynamics simulation. (Required) Strong written and oral communication skills. (Required) Experience in one or more of the following areas: (Required) Entry descent and landing design and analysis Launch vehicle analysis Flight testing including post-flight data analysis Simulation development Trajectory optimization Orbital dynamics Parameter identification Background in multi-body dynamics and/or subsystem modeling.

(Preferred) Experience with Matlab / Simulink, FORTRAN, C/C++, or similar languages. (Preferred) U.S. Citizenship (Required)