GNC Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems Analyst

Posted 2 Days Ago
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El Segundo, CA
87K-150K Annually
Junior
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Machine Learning • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
In an era of dynamic change, Aerospace is addressing the most complex challenges in space.
The Role
The GNC Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems Analyst engages in the design and analysis of spacecraft control systems for various space programs, supporting all program lifecycle phases, from concept development to operations. Responsibilities include simulation, evaluating risks, communicating findings, and developing new analysis tools, along with collaboration with stakeholders and experts.
Summary Generated by Built In

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.
Job Summary
The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the intersection of space vehicle concepts and the enterprise data behind both current and future systems. From this position, VSD delivers innovative, cross-cutting research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; both concept- and tailored-design analysis; assembly, integration, and test support; and operational/mission support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical, aerospace, computer science, and electrical 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 include small, pathfinding CubeSats with prototype payloads (weighing a few kilograms total), all the way up to more exquisite GPS constellations upon which countless users rely every day. In response to the rapidly evolving space environment of today, CAD moves with agility to leverage state-of-the-art analysis tools, techniques, and knowledge to outpace the threat of tomorrow. As part of the Aerospace Corporation FFRDC, however, CAD ensures 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.
Our team is seeking a GNC Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems Analyst (Member of Technical Staff /Senior Member of Technical Staff - Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineering) that 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 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as business and customer needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

  • Engage 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
  • 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, 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


What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the GNC Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems Analyst (Member of Technical Staff - Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineering):

  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline is required
  • A minimum of (2) years of applicable professional or industry experience is required
  • 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 advanced 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.


Transcripts are required for candidates with (5) or less years of professional industry experience, post-graduation from Bachelor's/Masters/PhD degree. Please be sure to upload both Undergrad and Graduate transcripts. Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to be considered for this role due to the nature of the work.
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the GNC Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems Analyst (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineering)

  • A minimum of (5) years of applicable professional or industry experience is required
  • Demonstrates strong communication skills (e.g. conference presentations, journal publications, technical memorandums, etc.)
  • Experience leading projects, managing resources, and communicating status to stakeholders
  • Should be able to operate fully autonomously


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

  • PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline is preferred
  • 3.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale is strongly preferred
  • Proficiency with software development: version control (Git), cross-platform compatibility (Linux, Windows, Mac), ROS / Gazebo, containerization (Docker), 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, neural networks
  • Proficiency with one or more of the following:


- Spacecraft attitude determination and control
- Payload pointing estimation 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

  • 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 - Max)
$86,600 - $150,400
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.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The 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 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.

Top Skills

C/C++
Matlab
Python
Simulink

What the Team is Saying

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The Company
HQ: Chantilly, VA
4,600 Employees
Hybrid Workplace
Year Founded: 1960

What We Do

The space enterprise has been transformed by rapid change and growth. New vehicles for national security space, a more rapid launch cadence, proliferated satellite constellations, the pursuit of interplanetary exploration, and thriving commercial ventures are changing the nature of the space industry. The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace) is a leading architect for U.S. space programs, shaping efforts to outpace threats to our national security while cultivating the technologies needed to further this new era of space commercialization and exploration.

Aerospace works across the space enterprise in service of the public interest. In addition to supporting the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community, our customers include NASA, NOAA, numerous federal agencies, and commercial space — all of whom benefit from our deep technical knowledge. We only pursue business related to the space mission and complementary fields, operating as the nation’s trusted partner to solve the toughest challenges and develop reliable and innovative technologies.

Innovation in space occurs when people have the freedom to imagine and do. At Aerospace, we take pride in our readiness to solve some of the most complex challenges in the space enterprise.

Why Work With Us

We are a non-profit corporation chartered by the government to work on the hardest problems in space. We employ technical experts in every discipline of space-related science and engineering who touch every part of the US space program. Come join us as we make an impact bigger than ourselves.

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The Aerospace Corporation Offices

Hybrid Workspace

Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

Typical time on-site: Flexible
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HQChantilly, VA
Albuquerque, NM
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Arlington, VA
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Cape Canaveral, FL
Chantilly, VA
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Colorado Springs, CO
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El Segundo, CA
Greenbelt, MD
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Hill Air Force Base, UT
Houston, TX
Huntsville, AL
Pasadena, CA
Silver Spring, MD
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