Director – Earth-Orbit Flight Dynamics Department

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. **Lead the Flight Dynamics Team Advancing Critical Space Missions** Space operations have entered a new era. Launch vehicles push the boundaries of performance. Spacecraft execute increasingly complex maneuvers across diverse mission profiles. Whether supporting national security, civil space agencies, or commercial operators, every mission-critical decision depends on precise flight dynamics analysis. The Aerospace Corporation is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) providing technical expertise to the nation's space programs. We deliver innovative solutions across satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers. **The 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 to develop trajectory solutions, maneuver strategies, and operational tactics for America's space assets in an increasingly congested, contested domain. **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, you'll have the authority and platform to: - 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 **Work Model** Full-time position, minimum four days per week onsite based in Chantilly, VA; Colorado Springs, CO; or El Segundo, CA. **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, such as tactics development, spacecraft maneuver design, or rendezvous and proximity operations - Advise Aerospace leadership on technical investments and organizational strategies Technical Innov…