Mission Design Engineer (2-5 yrs)

Advanced Space Full-time Hybrid

Were going to the Moon. Think youve got what it takes

About the Role

At Advanced Space were enabling humanitys return to the Moon and building the technologies that will take us to Mars and beyond. Were looking for a Mission Design Engineer with 2-5 years of experience to apply astrodynamics expertise and creative problem-solving to some of the most ambitious missions in the space industry.

This is a hands-on technical role supporting mission design and trajectory analysis across Earth-orbiting cislunar and interplanetary missions. Youll contribute throughout the full mission lifecyclefrom mission architecture and trajectory optimization to concept of operations development contingency planning and flight operations support.

Were looking for someone who thrives in technically challenging environments enjoys solving complex astrodynamics problems and is excited to work alongside a team thats delivering real missionsnot just concepts.

This position is open to U.S. Persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents) only. Visa sponsorship is not available.

About Advanced Space

Advanced Space exists to enable the sustainable exploration development and settlement of space through innovative software mission services and technology solutions. As the owner and operator of NASAs CAPSTONE mission and the Prime Contractor for AFRLs Oracle mission were helping shape the future of cislunar exploration while supporting commercial civil and national security customers.

Our team combines deep technical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. We move quickly collaborate across disciplines and empower every engineer to make meaningful contributions. If youre passionate about solving challenging problems and seeing your work fly in space youll fit right in.

What Youll Actually Do

Design mission architectures and optimize trajectories.

Apply mission design and trajectory optimization expertise across a variety of mission domains including Earth-orbiting cislunar interplanetary high-thrust low-thrust formation-flying and proximity operations missions.

Solve complex astrodynamics challenges.

Perform mission design analyses including delta-V budgeting trajectory optimization Monte Carlo/statistical-delta-V simulations stationkeeping analysis and formation-keeping algorithm development.

Support missions from concept through operations.

Take ownership of mission phases and work alongside technical leads to define analysis approaches break down complex problems and deliver accurate technical solutions that support mission success.

Develop tools that enable future missions.

Build and improve astrodynamics software and flight operations tools using programming languages such as Python andJulia. Apply innovative approaches to expand Advanced Spaces mission design capabilities.

Collaborate across engineering disciplines.

Partner with navigation systems GNC flight software and other engineering teams to define requirements support verification efforts and integrate mission design analyses across the spacecraft system.

Communicate technical solutions clearly.

Document and present design and analysis results for internal teams and customers. Translate complex technical concepts into clear recommendations and actionable insights.

Continue learning and push technical boundaries.

Stay current with aerospace research publications and emerging technologies to solve challenging problems and develop new approaches to mission design.

Who Thrives Here

• You have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering Systems Engineering or a related field.
• You have 25 years of professional experience in mission design astrodynamics trajectory design or a closely related discipline.
• You have experience applying mission design and trajectory optimization concepts to real-world aerospace problems.
• You have experience with astrodynamics software such as MONTE Copernicus GMAT STK FreeFlyer or similar tools.
• You can write Python Matlab Julia or similar scripts to solve mission design and analysis problems and contribute to complex codebases.
• You enjoy solving difficult technical problems and are comfortable working through ambiguous challenges.
• You communicate technical concepts clearly and can collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines.
• You take ownership of your work and proactively solve problems when you see them.

Bonus Points if You Have Experience With

• Supporting spacecraft operations procedures and maneuver design activities during flight operations.
• Understanding spacecraft navigation concepts and how navigation interacts with mission design analyses.
• Supporting systems integration and verification analyses.
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and how they interface with trajectory design.
• Developing generalized astrodynamics tools using Python and/or Julia.
• Experience supporting system-level design reviews such as SRR PDR or CDR.
• Experience with formation flying stationkeeping or proximity operations.
• Using agentic AI tools to support code development documentation and testing while maintaining technical accuracy.

Success is Measured By

• Delivering accurate mission design analyses that support successful mission execution.
• Developing innovative trajectory solutions for challenging aerospace missions.
• Building and improving mission design tools and processes.
• Effectively collaborating across engineering teams to integrate mission design solutions.
• Clearly communicating technical findings and recommendations to internal teams and customers.
• Contributing to the continued growth of Advanced Spaces mission design capabilities.

Why Join Advanced Space

• Work on real missions that are shaping the future of lunar and deep-space exploration.
• Help design spacecraft trajectories and mission architectures for cutting-edge space missions.
• Collaborate with some of the industrys top experts in astrodynamics autonomy and mission design.
• Be part of a growing company where your technical contributions have a direct impact on mission success.
• Join a team thats passionate about delivering innovation to orbitand beyond.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $88000-$116000(based on experience qualifications and location)
• Signing bonus
• Quarterly performance bonuses
• Company-sponsored medical benefits and 401(k)
• Flexible time off
• Relocation assistance

Advanced Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability veteran status or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.