Mission Architect, Rendezvous and Proximity Operations

The Mission Architect, Rendezvous and Proximity Operations will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for defining, designing, and analyzing complex space missions involving rendezvous and proximity operations. This individual will translate customer and mission objectives into operational concepts, mission requirements, technical performance measures, and executable mission designs. They will lead the design, simulation, and analysis of RPO trajectories and optimize spacecraft maneuvers based on factors such as fuel efficiency, timing, mission effectiveness, and operational risk. The Mission Architect will perform astrodynamics and mission analysis including orbit propagation, orbit determination, geometric orbit analysis, parametric analysis, Monte Carlo studies, and system performance modeling. They will also lead mission-level trade studies, support system integration and end-to-end verification, assess mission risks, troubleshoot integration challenges, support real-time mission execution, and conduct pre- and post-flight analyses throughout the complete mission lifecycle.. This role will be on-site in Centennial, Colorado OR Long Beach, California. If this sounds like the role for you, please apply today!

12+ years of experience in mission analysis, space operations, orbital mechanics, or related aerospace engineering Demonstrated expertise in Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) mission design and spacecraft operations Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, spacecraft dynamics, and autonomous space operations Experience designing, simulating, and analyzing RPO mission trajectories and spacecraft maneuvers Experience defining mission objectives, operational concepts, system requirements, and mission-level technical performance measures Experience conducting mission-level trade studies, feasibility assessments, and performance analyses Strong experience with orbit propagation, orbit determination, geometric orbit analysis, and mission engineering Hands-on experience using mission analysis tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar platforms Proficiency with simulation/programming tools such as MATLAB, Python, or C++ Experience developing parametric analyses and Monte Carlo studies to support technical decision-making Experience with mission planning, spacecraft operations, testing, and real-time mission support Strong technical leadership and systems architecture experience Experience working across hardware, software, mission operations, and other engineering disciplines Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI or TS/SAP U.S. government security clearance

Nice to Have Skills & Experience

Advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline Active TS/SCI clearance Experience supporting classified, defense, or national security space missions Experience conducting pre-flight and post-flight mission analysis Experience with trajectory reconstruction and anomaly investigations Experience supporting autonomous spacecraft or complex autonomous space operations Experience interfacing directly with government customers and technical stakeholders