Amentum

Aerospace Guidance Engineer for Human Landing Systems SME

Amentum$100K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. with 9+ years of experience, MS with 13+ years, or BS with 15+ years in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
  • Proficiency in C++, MATLAB, and Simulink.
  • Solid knowledge of trajectory optimization and optimal control principles.
  • Experience with numerical optimization techniques.
  • U.S. Citizenship required with a STAR ID.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement guidance algorithms for rocket trajectory optimization.
  • Conduct trajectory analyses using orbital mechanics principles.
  • Utilize Monte Carlo methods and design of experiments for performance assessments.
  • Analyze ascent, descent, rendezvous, and docking trajectories.
  • Support trade and sensitivity studies affecting system configurations.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
  • Retirement benefits inclusive of 401(k) matching.
  • Support for further education through reimbursement.
  • Parental leave policies.
  • Employee stock purchase options available.
  • Tax-saving benefits offered.
  • Disability and life insurance coverage.
  • Pet insurance for employees.
Full Job Description

Position Description:

As an Aerospace Guidance Engineer, you will develop, implement, and verify guidance algorithms for real-time trajectory optimization for Human Landing Systems (HLS) project that will take humans back to the Moon.  Trajectory analyses will be based on fundamental principles of orbital mechanics, with increasing levels of fidelity and complexity added as more detailed modeling is required.  Monte Carlo, design of experiments, and other methods will be used to assess vehicle and stage performance.  Trajectories for ascent, descent, rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking will be analyzed in support of trade and sensitivity studies affecting system configuration and mission designs.

Qualifications

Education:

A degree from an ABET-accredited university in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is required.  Typically, educational requirements are

• Ph.D., with minimum of 9+ years of experience,

• MS with at least 13+ years of experience, or

• BS with at least 15+ years of experience

Required Skills & Experiences:

Strong evidence of the following skills is needed:

  • C++ and Matlab and Simulink
  • Trajectory Optimization
  • Numerical optimization
  • Optimal Control
  • MUST be a US Citizen and have a STAR ID

Desired Skills & Experiences: 

Skills and experience will likely include:

  • Able to quickly tackle problems independently.
  • Experience with guidance algorithms for entry, descent, and landing.
  • Knowledge of guidance techniques, trajectory planning
  • Knowledge of astrodynamics and flight mechanics
  • Knowledge of Python
  • Knowledge of Monte Carlo, design of experiments, and statistical analysis
  • Proficiency with modeling and simulation of system dynamics
  • Strong proficiency in technical writing, communication, and presentation.
     

Essential Functions

Work Environment:

Office environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (5%).  Requires ability to work at a computer for long periods of time (100%).

Physical Requirements:

Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (80%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and our facilities (10%). 

Equipment and Machines:

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).

Attendance:

Normal workday 7:30-4:30, Monday thru Friday.  Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity, and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

Other Essential Functions:

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

#ESSCA #ASED #Amentum

       

Compensation Details:

SME

       

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

 

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

 

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

       

Original Posting:

06/29/2026 - 07/31/2026

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

       

About Amentum

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering and technical services to the U.S. government and commercial customers worldwide. The company offers a wide range of services, including environmental remediation, facilities management, and logistics and supply chain management, among others. Amentum has a global presence, with operations in over 20 countries, and serves a diverse range of customers, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Department of State. The company is committed to providing high-quality services and has a strong reputation for technical expertise, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Learn more about Amentum
Size
20,000 employees
Industry
Net Income
$200 million
Founded
2014
Revenue
$5 billion

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