Launch Forecasting 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.

Job Summary

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

As a member of the Space Object Risk Department, you will be providing technical capabilities to support our customers in advancing situational awareness and hazard assessment and mitigation to operate safely in space. Specifically, we are looking for an experienced technical expert and leader with skills in launch forecasting, or, more specifically, the modeling and simulation of launch and ground support related operations required to predict launch schedules into the future.

Work Model

This full-time position is based on a hybrid work model, requiring on-site presence at facilities in Houston, TX for at least 4 days per week, subject to business needs.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide proactive analysis and innovative development in the department focus area of integrated forecasting capabilities for the complete space activity lifecycle—from launch infrastructure and commodity demands through on-orbit operations to spacecraft reentry, with emphasis on launch.
• Independently provide deep technical expertise, innovation, and project coordination/leadership in technical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments in teams with multi-disciplinary technical leaders across the company, Aerospace Program Office personnel, and external customers to define and address customer needs
• Develop and present timely and technically accurate briefings and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions to technical leads, management, and customers
• Train and mentor junior staff
• Travel occasionally (as necessary) to support customer efforts

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for an Engineering Specialist:

• Advanced degree in relevant STEM discipline
• At least eight years of professional experience in launch modeling and simulation
• Skills in leading and contributing to modeling and simulation activities successfully demonstrated across numerous customer-driven projects
• Experience with Aerospace customers and industry players, particularly with NASA and launch ranges
• Experience with discrete event simulation
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in development and analysis related to launch forecasting
• Skills in mathematical formulation and derivation
• Demonstrated skills in the development and use of computer software tools
• 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Experience with Rockwell Automation Arena Simulation, Python, and/or C++
• Extensive experience with Aerospace customers related to launch
• Experience in working with multidisciplinary teams, including experts in risk and reliability as well as economics

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)

$117,300.00 - $175,900.00Pay 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.