Aerospace Engineer (Entry Systems)

Analytical Mechanics Associates•Mountain View, CA

2d•$100,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

AMA is accepting applications for an on-site Aerospace Engineer focusing on Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. Work will be in support of the Entry Systems and Vehicle Development Branch, part of the Entry Systems and Technology Division at NASA. The successful candidate will play an important role in the direct application of technologies and capabilities to analyze, design, develop, test, evaluate, manufacture, certify, and operate atmospheric Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) systems.

Requirements

PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Masters with 3-5 years of experience
Proven experience in the development and implementation of control algorithms
Strong background in flight dynamics, entry system dynamics, trajectories, and mission design
Experience with Verification and Validation (V&V) of complex aerospace data and systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and lead technical efforts
U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required due to project requirements

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated expertise in guided entry vehicle control systems and architectures
Hands-on experience with flight data analysis, post-flight reconstruction, and simulation correlation
Proficiency with 6-DOF (Degree of Freedom) simulation environments and dynamic modeling tools
Experience consulting or collaborating with commercial spaceflight partners
Knowledge of hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and software-in-the-loop (SITL) testing methodologies
Experience with specific trajectory and aerodynamic tools (e.g., POST2, etc.)
Experience with planetary entry missions (Mars, lunar, or other destinations)
Familiarity with NASA standards and processes for entry systems and flight software
Background in uncertainty quantification (UQ) and Monte Carlo dispersion analysis
Experience with commercial space vehicle development

Responsibilities

Development, implementation, and analysis of control algorithms for guided atmospheric entry vehicles
Execution of Verification and Validation (V&V) activities for flight data and GN&C software
Comprehensive data analysis of flight tests, simulations, and system performance
Conducting flight dynamics assessments, including trajectory and aerodynamic stability analysis
Providing technical consultation, technology transfer, and collaboration with commercial partners on entry system technologies
Mentoring junior staff and interns on GN&C and flight dynamics-related projects
Support for flight test operations and post-flight reconstruction