Job Description

OSCorp is an in-space services company at the vanguard of cementing U.S. space supremacy to safeguard the space domain and build a thriving in-space economy. We develop cutting-edge technologies at the nexus of GN&C, AI/ML, LiDAR sensors, space robotics, and lasercom terminals. 

OSCorp's mission is to revolutionize space operations by delivering strategic capabilities for the U.S. government and commercial space operators. We aim to provide government operators with unparalleled situational awareness and enable them to execute tactically responsive space operations to protect strategic government and commercial space assets, and the services they provide, from denial, disruption, destruction, or degradation. We are equally committed to augmenting safety, agility, reliability, and efficiency for commercial space operators, while building a circular in-space economy and enabling a wide range of the ISAM value chain starting with ADR of hazardous spacecraft and RSO. 

OSCorp is seeking an exceptional full-time Aerospace Engineer with extensive experience in GN&C and AI/ML for a dynamic 6-month contract. This project is funded by the National Science Foundation (abstract below), focused on enabling a novel class of in-space proximity operations. This will strengthen U.S. national security, sustain and revolutionize space operations, and result in a thriving economy in space. This role is designed for individuals passionate about guiding the future of aerospace through innovation in GN&C systems, artificial intelligence, and space robotics technologies. If you are passionate about solving complex, multidimensional problems, pushing the envelope, and strengthening U.S. National Security, come work with us!

OSCorp’s CORE VALUES:

We are not only building a team of highly skilled engineers; we are building an army of visionaries, trailblazers, and innovators to tackle this nation’s biggest national security challenges. Our founders believe in the following 10 Core Values for a winning team at our disruptive organization:

1. Contagious Obsession
2. Unwavering Tenacity
3. Audacity
4. Ingenuity
5. Dedication
6. Discipline
7. Integrity
8. Accountability
9. Humility
10. Respect

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Providing you with research salary.
• Helping you validate your research.
• Giving you room for growth and personal development.
• Helping you tap into your leadership potential.
• Providing you with an inclusive and pleasant working environment.
• Opportunity to work and network from one of the country’s top innovation hubs.
• Offer to extend your contract and retain you as a core OSCorp employee with a competitive compensation package. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, test, and validate AI/ML algorithms and GN&C systems for RPOC.
• Conduct advanced AI/ML research, focusing on reinforcement learning and neural networks for in-orbit proximity applications.
• Perform space dynamics simulation, modeling, and analysis (SMAD) using various tools, including Cesium visualization tool.
• Work with LiDAR and VISCAM data processing.
• Develop and test high-fidelity graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
• Collaborate closely with our team to ensure project milestones are met and deliverables exceed expectations.
• Draft technical reports highlighting progress, results, and lessons learned.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of experience in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) and Optimal Control for in-orbit proximity problems.
• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Aerospace Engineering (or relevant disciplines with a focus on GN&C, AI/ML, and space robotics) at an accredited university in the U.S.
• Profound knowledge in AI/ML, specializing in Reinforcement Learning and neural networks, GN&C for in-orbit proximity operations, or a relevant field.
• Solid experience in simulation, modeling, and space dynamics using SMAD tools and open-source robotic simulation tools, including ROS/GAZEBO.
• Demonstrated experience in Python, C++, and embedded systems through previous projects.
• Demonstrated project or professional experience in proximity operations.
• Capability of solving complex problems with little to no supervision, both individually and as part of an integrated team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 10+ years of experience in GN&C, AI/ML, and space dynamics.
• A PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields is preferred.
• USAF/USSF Reserves or National Guard veteran.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a dynamic, evolving environment without compromising quality.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Willingness to work on-site at our facility in Colorado Springs.
• Positive, "can-do" attitude, self-starter, with leadership potential. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated passion for advancing U.S. national security and interests.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen to comply with ITAR requirements (see below).
• Ethical character and uncompromised integrity.
• Sharing OSCorp’s core values.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver reliable and expeditious results across multiple parallel priorities.

HOW TO APPLY:

Complete this application form and upload your resume.

DEADLINE:

February 15th.

This role promises not just a job, but a meaningful challenge and career path that offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to space operations. If you are ready to take on this exciting project and meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply and join our team in revolutionizing space operations and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: 

Compliance with U.S. Government export regulations is mandatory. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees under 8 U.S.C. 1157, asylees under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or eligible for required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State here (

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: 

We are dedicated to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. Our hiring decisions are based purely on merit, competence, and qualifications that enhance our team and advance our mission. We do not allow bias based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status to influence our hiring process.

NSF SBIR PHASE I ABSTRACT: 

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will enable a novel class of in-space proximity operations. This research has the potential not only to sustain and improve space operations, but also to strengthen national security and result in a thriving economy in space. The expected advances include sophisticated capabilities for satellite inspection, repair/upgrade, end-of-life servicing, debris remediation, and even manufacturing and assembly operations. This project's emphasis on the safety, robustness, and autonomy of missions also ultimately paves the way for safer human spaceflight operations and contributes to vital areas like debris mitigation and collision avoidance. This effort also extends to the exploration of frontier technologies such as asteroid mining. This project's approach creates commercial opportunities and unlocks the in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing value chain. 

This SBIR Phase I project will synthesize Neural Lyapunov functions, which can be integrated into filter schemes for any type of control system that accepts state feedback from multi-sensor measurements. The primary objective of this study is to enable the inspection and capture of uncooperative, uncontrolled, and unprepared objects. This ability is achieved by fusing data from multiple sensors and applying barrier functions, rooted in Neural Lyapunov theory, to ensure safety within actuation limits and state constraints during the docking and 'combined stack' phases (i.e., when a servicer is docked with a client spacecraft). Furthermore, this technology developed path planning algorithms that use real-time optical measurements to account for the detumbling rates of client satellites, ensuring safer inspection and docking maneuvers. These steps are critical for ensuring safe autonomous operations during the docking phase and combined stack maneuvers. The final outcome of this research is to develop a mission design, analysis, and planning tool to help operators account for different mission scenarios involving in-orbit proximity operations, while analyzing tradeoffs of safety assurance versus fuel optimization. 

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. 

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