2027 GNC Spacecraft/Payload Control 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 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 Doing
Participate in design, simulation, analysis, and evaluation of spacecraft and payload control systems on a variety of National Security Space programs, civil programs, and commercial programs
Perform 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 resolution
Communicate technical results both orally and in writing, interacting directly with government customers, program management, and contractors
Research, develop, and document new analysis tools and techniques
Engage with subject matter experts in continuous learning to drive the state-of-the-art technical analysis
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
Training and mentorship will be provided
What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring
Strong written and oral communication skills
Must work well in a team environment
Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum 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 experience
Graduate level coursework and/or in-depth, hands-on experience in one or more of the following: control system design and analysis, estimation theory, or dynamics
Experience with developing control and dynamics simulations
Proficiency with Python and/or MATLAB/Simulink
Working 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 Out
It 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 computing
Experience with special topics including, but not limited to:
Rendezvous, proximity, operations, and docking (RPOD) scenarios
Computer vision algorithms, image processing, point-cloud analysis
Mobile robotics, guidance algorithms, trajectory optimization
Simultaneous localization & mapping (SLAM), unscented Kalman filters (UKFs), particle filters, factor graphs
Data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, reinforcement learning
Proficiency with one or more of the following:
Payload pointing estimation and control
Spacecraft attitude determination and control
Kalman filtering and stochastic processes
Advanced control techniques and applications
Modeling and simulation of control systems
Multibody and flexible body dynamics
Implementation, testing, deploying, and calibration of control systems
Active DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance
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)
$86,600.00 - $150,400.00
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.