Aerospace Engineer – Flight Mechanics

Arcfield • Brook Park, OH

3d

About The Position

Arcfield is seeking an Aerospace Engineer – Flight Mechanics to join a team of Flight Mechanics analysts conducting Independent Validation and Verification (IV&V) for classified payloads launching on SpaceX Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, ULA Vulcan, and other launch vehicles. The role performs computer simulations of launches, generally from liftoff through payload separation, in support of National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions for the U.S. Government.

The engineer develops and maintains environmental and vehicle models, integrates them with flight software, and runs nominal and Monte Carlo dispersed software-guided launch vehicle trajectory simulations. The role also processes simulation data and conducts Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) and trajectory/performance analyses to verify mission design requirements. Additional work includes integrating in-house tools with launch service provider production flight software, resolving technical issues with provider personnel, participating in technical reviews and working groups, and documenting and presenting IV&V analyses.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance.
• A Bachelor's degree plus 5–7 years of experience, a Master's degree plus 3–5 years of experience, or a Ph.D. plus 0–2 years of experience.
• Strong technical understanding of orbital mechanics, vehicle dynamics, GNC, aerodynamics, and rocket propulsion.
• Excellent capability in model development, computer programming, and data analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with C/C++, Fortran, and Matlab.

Nice To Haves

• STEM degree preferred.
• Working experience in launch vehicle analyses preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain required environmental and vehicle models and integrate them with flight software for nominal and Monte Carlo dispersed software-guided launch vehicle trajectory simulations.
• Process simulation data and perform GNC and trajectory/performance analyses to ensure compliance with mission design requirements.
• Integrate in-house simulation tools with Launch Service Provider production flight software for high-fidelity GNC and trajectory performance simulations.
• Interface with Launch Service Provider personnel and resolve technical issues in support of mission integration activities.
• Participate in Launch Service Provider technical reviews and support discipline analysis working group meetings.
• Document and present assigned IV&V activities and analyses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level