Trajectory Analyst at Leidos

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Leidos’ Defense Systems is seeking a Trajectory Analyst to join our team supporting the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) Flight Test Program as part of the Hypersonics Systems Division. With offices across the United States engaging in the defense, space, cyber and commercial fields, Leidos provides responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific and IT solutions.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here!

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Position Overview

As part of a hardworking team of engineers and problem-solvers, The Hypersonic Systems Trajectory Analyst will support the Lead Trajectory Analyst in performance of launch vehicle trajectory modeling and flight safety analysis, ensuring compliance with range safety and public risk requirements, and maturing the overall analysis methodology for various hypersonic test flight configurations. Jointly with the Lead Trajectory Analyst, the person in this role will directly influence mission design. The responsibilities of this position include generating and communicating data products to inform trajectory shaping/optimization and flight system design considerations for optimization of experimental data gathering, while minimizing risks and unnecessary cost.

Primary Responsibilities

Develop and optimize 3-DOF and/or 6-DOF trajectory simulation models
Develop CONOPS for integration with mission operations and flight software
Conduct engineering approximations for performance
Performing Monte Carlo (and/or probabilistic analyses) routines and data analysis to inform mission authorities of off-nominal trajectories (incorporating range safety, circular error probability, and expected casualty)
Provide Systems Engineering with optimizations to balance performance and safety and maintain critical system constraints

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum of B.S. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent technical field, from an ABET accredited institution
2+ years of applicable experience and/or equivalent education in trajectory analysis
Strong fundamentals in flight mechanics/dynamics and simulation of aerospace vehicles
Strong fundamentals in statistical/probabilistic analysis
Familiarity with the development and optimization of 3-DOF and/or 6-DOF trajectory simulation models
Familiarity with trajectory analysis tools such as POST, OTIS, TTK, RRAT, TAOS, STK Astrogator, or Copernicus
Familiarity with Monte Carlo (and/or probabilistic analyses) routines and data analysis
Ability to evaluate situations critically, assess complex systems, and navigate detailed requirements
Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills
Must work well in a collaborative, team environment
Must pay meticulous attention to detail to ensure mission safety and success
Must be a U.S. citizen and capable of obtaining and maintaining a minimum of DoW Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in developing and optimizing 3-DOF and/or 6-DOF trajectory simulation models
Experience using trajectory analysis tools such as POST, OTIS, TTK, RRAT, TAOS, STK Astrogator, or Copernicus
Experience in quantitative risk assessment including debris risk modeling
Experience in hypersonic trajectory modeling
Familiarity with launch licensing processes and regulations (e.g. FAA Part 450)
Familiarity with NASA and DOD Range Safety and Operational Requirements (e.g. RCC-319, 321, 323, 324, 326, etc.)
Experience in explosive modeling and estimation
Experience in building analysis toolchains and scripts (e.g. MATLAB, Python, etc.)

At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”

If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.

Original Posting:

November 4, 2025

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $67,600.00 - $122,200.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.