Mission Design Engineer
US$88,000 – US$116,000 / yr base salary
Posted 14 Aug 2026
Advertised as “Mission Design Engineer (2-5 yrs) ”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 2–5 yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Employment
- Hybrid
- Contract
- Full-time
- Visa sponsorship
- Not offered
| Base salary | US$88,000 – US$116,000 / yr |
|---|
Advanced Space | Full-time | Hybrid
We’re going to the Moon. Think you’ve got what it takes?
About the Role
At Advanced Space, we're enabling humanity's return to the Moon and building the technologies that will take us to Mars and beyond. We're 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. You'll contribute throughout the full mission lifecycle—from mission architecture and trajectory optimization to concept of operations development, contingency planning, and flight operations support.
We're looking for someone who thrives in technically challenging environments, enjoys solving complex astrodynamics problems, and is excited to work alongside a team that's delivering real missions—not 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 NASA's CAPSTONE™ mission and the Prime Contractor for AFRL's Oracle mission, we're 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 you're passionate about solving challenging problems and seeing your work fly in space, you'll fit right in.
What You'll 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.