2027 GNC Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems Analyst

Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems AnalystThe 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 Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.Within this division, the Control Analysis Department (CAD) focuses on providing satellite attitude and payload pointing estimation and control system analysis for a wide variety of space programs/systems ranging from DoD and NRO to commercial.

Applications may include small pathfinding CubeSats with prototype payloads (weighing a few kilograms total), all the way up to the more exquisite GPS constellation upon which countless users rely every day. In response to the rapidly evolving space environment of today, CAD leverages state-of-the-art tools, techniques, and knowledge to outpace the threat of tomorrow. As part of the Aerospace Corporation FFRDC, however, CAD is also better able to ensure such agile approaches are well-anchored in heritage proficiencies of space vehicle attitude control, dynamics, and estimation and payload pointing. From this fundamental foundation, this department engages in cutting-edge research and applies modern methods to emerging and related topics such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, and robotics to solve new and increasingly challenging problems.As a Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems Analyst (Member of Technical Staff/Senior Member of Technical Staff - Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineering), you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders supporting technical oversight analysis of all phases of a program lifecycle: conceptual studies, prototyping, source selection, development, and operations.The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.What You'll Be DoingParticipate in design, simulation, analysis, and evaluation of spacecraft and payload control systems on a variety of National Security Space programs, civil programs, and commercial programsPerform tasks in support of concept development, trade studies, source selections, requirements analyses, risk assessments, design analyses, simulation development, prototyping, test planning and execution, operations support, and anomaly resolutionCommunicate technical results both orally and in writing, interacting directly with government customers, program management, and contractorsResearch, develop, and document new analysis tools and techniquesEngage with subject matter experts in continuous learning to drive the state-of-the-art technical analysisDuties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as neededTraining and mentorship will be providedWhat Corporate Skills You'll BringStrong written and oral communication skillsMust work well in a team environmentPossess organizational, time management and project management skillsDemonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needInterpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizationsWhat You Need to be SuccessfulMinimum Requirements for a Member of Technical Staff:Master's degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)0-1 year of industry work experienceGraduate level coursework and/or in-depth, hands-on experience in one or more of the following: control system design and analysis, estimation theory, or dynamicsExperience with developing control and dynamics simulationsProficiency with Python and/or MATLAB/SimulinkWorking knowledge with C/C++This position requires the 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 OutIt would be impressive if you have one or more of these:PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)Proficiency with software development: version control (Git), containerization (Docker), cross-platform compatibility (Linux, Windows, Mac), ROS / Gazebo, and distributed computingExperience with special topics including, but not limited to: Rendezvous, proximity, operations, and docking (RPOD) scenariosComputer vision algorithms, image processing, point-cloud analysisMobile robotics, guidance algorithms, trajectory optimizationSimultaneous localization & mapping (SLAM), unscented Kalman filters (UKFs), particle filters, factor graphsData science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, reinforcement learningProficiency with one or more of the following: Payload pointing estimation and controlSpacecraft attitude determination and controlKalman filtering and stochastic processesAdvanced control techniques and applicationsModeling and simulation of control systemsMultibody and flexible body dynamicsImplementation, testing, deploying, and calibration of control systemsActive DoD Top Secret/SCI clearanceWe 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)$86,600.00 - $150,400.00 Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership CompetenciesOur 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 StrategicallyLead ChangeEngage with ImpactFoster InnovationDeliver ResultsWays We Reward Our EmployeesDuring 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 plansPaid holidays, sick time, and vacationStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options401(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 hireFlexible spending accountsVariable pay program for exceptional contributionsRelocation assistanceProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your careerEducation assistance programsAn inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respectWe 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 CommitmentThe 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