IC 2027 Guidance and Navigation Engineer

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.

Internship conversion position for the Guidance Analysis Department. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Performing engineering analyses of launch and upper-stage vehicle guidance and navigation systems, including the performance of guidance algorithms and use of inertial systems, GPS, and other sensors
• Performing trajectory studies and conduct error and orbital perturbation analyses
• Performing statistical analyses of launch vehicle trajectories, vehicle maneuvers, and targeting accuracy
• Developing mathematical models and high-fidelity computational simulations of launch vehicles from fundamental principles of dynamics and physics
• Developing computational tools, such as 6 degree-of-freedom simulations, to analyze the performance of launch vehicle guidance and navigation systems
• Supporting multiple programs and work both independently and with interdisciplinary teams
• Studying and evaluating current and future launch vehicle GNC system designs and algorithms
• Prepare technical reports and briefings to be presented to other analysts and management
• 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: 

• Master's degree from an accredited college/university program in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 
• Prior internship at The Aerospace Corporation  
• 0-1 year of industry work experience  
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Knowledge of trajectory performance, orbital mechanics, control systems, and/or navigation sensors.
• Some experience modeling dynamic systems.
• Proficiency with some of the following tools: Python, MATLAB, C++, Fortran.
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site domestically/internationally, as required.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• Active security clearance
• Experience in Guidance, Navigation, Control Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• A working knowledge of electronics, mechanical design, control systems, inertial sensors, and actuators applicable to spacecraft and/or launch vehicles.
• Expertise in modeling and simulation of spacecraft or launch vehicles.
• Demonstrated ability to provide innovative solutions to challenging technical problems.

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)

$100,000.00 - $115,000.00

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.

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.