Launch Systems 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.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

Join a team of all-source technical intelligence analysts in the International Launch Systems office as a Launch Systems Analyst (Project Engineer– Flight Mechanics) to support missile warning, missile defense and other programs. As part of the team, you will identify and solve hard intelligence problems that impact current and future customer missions. Anticipate and articulate future threats, develop and recommend courses of actions. Work closely with, but independently of, intelligence community and contractor counterparts. Document and defend your results.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Maintain currency with foreign missile and space launch system developments and collaborate with intelligence community counterparts to improve threat assessments and models
• Identify and resolve gaps in intelligence assessments and propose innovative solutions of hard problems
• Provide threat analysis to support missile warning and missile defense system development, test and operations; ensure threat model fidelity is sufficient for the intended application
• Identify and develop opportunities where the application of relevant intelligence can improve mission performance
• Lead intelligence studies, interface with customers, guide development and delivery of technical products
• Prepare and present technical briefings and reports and participate in defense and intelligence community technical interchanges

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements Project Engineer – Flight Mechanics:

• An inherent interest in tackling and solving problems that matter
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Physical Science or Math with a minimum of 5 years applicable experience
• 8 or more year of professional experience in the analysis and simulation of space or missile systems
• Experience in engineering disciplines such as propulsion, guidance and control, aerodynamics, signatures, trajectory reconstruction/design, or parameter estimation
• Windows-based computing/programming skills, MATLAB/Python
• Interpersonal and communication skills, particularly technical writing
• Willing to travel [occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally] approx. 2-3 weeks per year.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degrees in Engineering, Physical Science, or Math
• Experience with commercial launch systems, missiles, space sensing, and/or rocket propulsion
• Prior experience and familiarity with military and intelligence community organizations
• Experience with classified data handling
• Existing clearance, issued by the U.S. Government

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)

$129,000.00 - $193,500.00Pay 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.