2026 GNC SpacecraftPayload Control Systems Analyst

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations 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 youll be part of a special collection of problem solvers thought leaders and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

Within VSD the ControlAnalysis Department (CAD)focuses on providingsatellite attitude and payload pointing estimation and control system analysisfor a wide variety ofspaceprograms/systems ranging from DoD and NRO to commercial. Applications may include small pathfinding CubeSats with prototype payloads (weighing a few kilograms total) all the way up to the more exquisite GPS constellation upon which countless users rely every day. In response to the rapidly evolving space environment of today CAD leveragesstate-of-the-arttools techniques and knowledge to outpace the threat of tomorrow. As part of the Aerospace Corporation FFRDC however CAD is also better able to ensure such agile approaches are well-anchored in heritage proficiencies of space vehicle attitudecontroldynamicsand estimation and payload pointing. From this fundamental foundationthis department engages in cutting-edge research and applies modern methods to emerging andrelatedtopicssuch as artificial intelligence computer visionandroboticsto solvenew and increasingly challenging problems.

As a Spacecraft/Payload Control Systems Analyst you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders supporting all phases of a program lifecycle: conceptual studies prototyping source selection development and operations.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo CA.

What Youll Be Doing

• Participate 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.
• Perform tasks in support of concept development trade studies source selections requirements analyses risk assessments design analyses simulation development prototyping test planning andexecution operationssupport 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 thestate-of-the-arttechnical analysis.
• Duties responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned as needed

WhatCorporateSkillsYoull 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 for a Member of Technical Staff - Guidance Navigation & Control:

• Masters degreefrom an accredited college/university programin Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Computer Science or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Experience with developing control and dynamics simulations
• 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
• 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

In addition to the requirements above the minimum requirements for Sr. Member of Technical Staff - Guidance Navigation & Control:

• PhD degreefrom an accredited college/university programin Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Computer Science or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• Proficiency in an area related to spacecraft attitude determination and control

How You Can Stand Out

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

• 3.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Proficiency with software development: version control (Git) containerization (Docker) cross-platform compatibility (Linux Windows Mac) ROS / Gazebo 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
  • Datascienceartificial intelligencemachinelearningneuralnetworks

• 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
• Eagerness to continue learning
• 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 youll 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)

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 otherthe 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 equalopportunity 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 colorreligiongeneticinformation 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 youre 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 emailat .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.