Director – Earth-Orbit Flight Dynamics Department

Opportunity

The Mission Operations Subdivision seeks a Director for our Earth-Orbit Flight Dynamics Department (EOFD). Lead a world‑class team of trajectory optimization experts, orbital mechanics specialists, and operations analysts supporting Earth‑orbiting space missions from launch to end‑of‑life. Partner directly with DoW, Intelligence Community, and civil & commercial organizations.
Why This Role Matters

Flight dynamics expertise underpins mission success across national security, civil, and commercial space. The department’s scope ranges from traditional orbital mechanics support to real‑time warfighting analysis, resiliency assessment, and dynamic space operations.
As Director, you will:

Drive strategic vision for flight dynamics capabilities across launch vehicles, spacecraft maneuvers, and mission operations
Advance space operations through innovative tactics development and mission architecture analysis
Shape technical investment in trajectory optimization tools, astrodynamics frameworks, and AI/ML‑enabled mission planning systems
Mentor the next generation of experts across flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, and trajectory optimization
Bridge defense, intelligence, civil, commercial, and international communities to accelerate innovation
Your Impact as Director

Partner with senior leaders across government agencies, military organizations, and space operators on critical flight dynamics challenges
Lead a geographically distributed team of engineers across Aerospace locations
Advance trajectory optimization, maneuver planning, and space operations capabilities supporting critical missions
Mentor and develop technical talent across a growing portfolio of customer programs
What You’ll Be Doing

Strategic Leadership

Develop and execute a strategic vision for a multi‑location department, managing 25+ technical staff and managers
Partner with customers to develop innovative flight dynamics solutions and position EOFD as the technical authority in Earth‑orbit flight dynamics and trajectory optimization
Formulate business strategies alongside Engineering and Technology Group partners in critical flight mechanics domains
Advise Aerospace leadership on technical investments and organizational strategies
Technical Innovation

Drive flight dynamics excellence across launch vehicle trajectory design, multi‑burn orbit transfers, and electric/hybrid propulsion optimization
Infuse AI/ML into optimization techniques to transform trajectory design for launch and Earth‑orbiting flight regimes
Collaborate across divisions to integrate flight dynamics with space domain awareness and multi‑disciplinary mission analysis
Business Development & Customer Engagement

Cultivate relationships across defense agencies, intelligence organizations, NASA, and commercial space operators
Drive business development and capture planning for organizational growth in advanced mission operations and responsive space capabilities
Represent the department at customer engagements, corporate forums, and technical conferences
Team Development

Lead workforce development initiatives including recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retention strategies
Manage department resources including staffing, facilities, and classified IT infrastructure
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence
What You Need to be Successful (Minimum Requirements)

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related STEM field
10+ years of progressively responsible technical experiences in flight dynamics, astrodynamics, or trajectory design
Proven leadership experience managing technical organizations, including staff development, performance evaluation, strategic planning, and R&D portfolio development
Executive‑level customer relationships with demonstrated success building partnerships across organizations
Business development acumen with proven track record of expanding customer relationships
Exceptional communication skills to influence senior government officials, industry partners, and internal stakeholders
Experience managing distributed teams across multiple geographic locations
Strategic thinking to synthesize complex technical, programmatic, and customer needs into actionable vision
Collaborative leadership fostering excellence across organizational boundaries
Willingness to travel domestically based on organizational and customer needs
Current TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP access
How You Can Stand Out

Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in aerospace engineering, astronautics, applied mathematics, or related field
Deep expertise in launch vehicle trajectory design, electric/hybrid propulsion mission design, complex space operations and resiliency analysis, or high‑fidelity orbital mechanics
Knowledge of AI/ML applications for trajectory optimization and automated mission design
Track record developing and maturing flight dynamics operational capabilities from concept to operations
Operational experience supporting direct flight operations, exercises, wargaming, or operational decision‑making
Demonstrated supervisory experience in aerospace, defense, or national security organizations
FFRDC experience or similar advisory roles supporting government decision‑making
Experience bridging commercial, defense, and civil space sectors with multi‑disciplinary systems engineering background
Benefits

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
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.
U.S. citizenship is required for this position.

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