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.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
Job Summary
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; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.
The Control Analysis Department (CAD) performs satellite attitude and payload pointing control system analysis support for a wide variety of space programs ranging from pathfinding CubeSats with prototype payloads and weighing a few kilograms total, all the way to the more exquisite GPS constellation upon which countless users rely every day. In today's rapidly evolving space environment, our department leverages both heritage and state-of-the-art knowledge, tools, and techniques in the areas of space vehicle attitude control, dynamics, and estimation and payload pointing, while also researching and applying methods from emerging and related topics such as artificial intelligence and robotics, to solve new and increasingly challenging problems. As the Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems Analyst, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders supporting all phases of a program lifecycle: conceptual studies, prototyping, source selection, development, and operations.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines regular onsite work and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
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 that may support 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. Interact 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

This position is available as a Member of Technical Staff or a Senior Member of Technical Staff.
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Member of Technical Staff

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering) or equivalent is required
• 2 years of applicable professional experience is required
• Experience with developing control and dynamics simulations
• Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python
• Proficiency 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.
• Transcripts are required for candidates with (5) or less years of professional industry experience, post-graduation from Bachelor's/Masters/PhD degree.

Senior Member of Technical Staff
Same requirements as a Member of Technical Staff noted above, in addition to:

• 5 years of applicable professional experience is required
• Experience leveraging computer programming (MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or related language) to implement/improve control analysis methods and tools

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Member of Technical Staff or Senior Member of Technical Staff

• Advanced degree in a STEM field (Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering) or equivalent is strongly preferred
• Graduate level course work and at least one year post-graduate, professional experience in one or more of the following: control system design and analysis, estimation theory, or advanced dynamics.
• Proficiency with software development: version control (Git), containerization (Docker), cross-platform compatibility (Linux, Windows, Mac)
• Experience with distributed computing
• Experience providing guidance, navigation, and control technical support for a flight program
• Proficiency with one or more of the following: Spacecraft attitude determination and control; Payload pointing estimation and control; Advanced control techniques and applications; Kalman filtering and stochastic processes; Modeling and simulation of Control Systems; Multibody and flexible body dynamics; Implementation, testing, deploying, and calibration of Control Systems
• Experience with special topics including, but not limited to: Mobile robotics, guidance algorithms, trajectory optimization; Simultaneous localization & mapping (SLAM), unscented Kalman filters (UKFs), particle filters; Computer vision, image processing, point-cloud analysis; Data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks
• A current and Active DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. Government, is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security 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 - Mid - Max)
$88,000 - $108,500 - $133,000
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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.