Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Senior Engineering Specialist

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 Guidance Analysis Department is seeking an experienced Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineer. The engineer will provide GNC support for launch vehicle, missile systems, and missile defense systems for a wide range of customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the Missile Defense Agency, and other civil customers (e.g. NASA) and also seek out new business opportunities for the department. 

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in Colorado Springs, CO, offering a hybrid work model that combines regular onsite work and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.  

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Assess GNC performance of launch, missile defense, and missile system 

• Develop 6 degree-of-freedom trajectory analysis simulations 

• Derive multi-body, flexible body dynamics equations for supported vehicles 

• Perform frequency domain linear stability analysis for launch and missile systems 

• Support multiple programs and work independently with both internal and external customers as a technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or project leader 

• Provide oversight, guidance, and technical advice on customer projects, which may include specialized analytical and experimental studies launch vehicle and missile defense GNC systems 

• Verify contractor designs, approaches, and overall system performance 

• Look for new business opportunities for the department 

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s in a STEM field or equivalent is required

• 12 years of experience in GNC systems, demonstrating increasingly responsible professional engineering experience is required

• A strong working knowledge of electronics, mechanical design, control systems, inertial sensors, and actuators applicable to spacecraft and/or launch vehicles 

• Experience performing technical tasks, leading technical teams, and effectively supporting multiple programs, customers, and contractors 

• Proficiency with some of the following tools: MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, Python, Fortran 

• This position requires 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: 

• Advanced degree in STEM field or equivalent is preferred 

• Expertise in modeling and simulation of spacecraft or launch vehicles 

• Demonstrated ability to provide innovative solutions to challenging technical problems 

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customer, corporate staff, and contractors 

• Active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is highly desirable. 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 determi