Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer

SAIC•Crane, IN

5h•Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking an experienced Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer – Modeling & Simulation (M&S) to support Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL) activities for the Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile-Nuclear (SLCM-N) weapon system. In this role, the candidate will utilize advanced M&S techniques to assess weapon system performance, support system development, and contribute to Verification and Validation (V&V) efforts. This role focuses on designing, executing, and assessing M&S efforts for subsystem- and system-level evaluations to ensure alignment with technical requirements and operational objectives. The selected individual will work closely with program stakeholders, engineers, and developers to refine M&S scenarios, validate models, and ensure relevant data is generated for V&V activities across the broader program lifecycle. This position requires onsite support at NSWC Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a critical strategic defense program.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
Minimum of 7+ years of experience in systems engineering or M&S-related roles within the defense acquisition lifecycle.
Demonstrated expertise in developing and conducting Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) and/or Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL) activities, particularly in support of complex weapon system development.
Experience supporting subsystem- and system-level M&S assessments, including performance analysis and design verifications.
Knowledge and practical experience integrating M&S results with Verification and Validation (V&V) efforts.
Hands-on experience with M&S and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS, STK, Python, or other tools relevant to HWIL/SWIL environments.
Proficiency in developing and utilizing complex simulation frameworks to analyze performance across multiple scenarios.
Strong understanding of M&S methodologies, including validation, verification, and real-world scenario representation.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to assess system-level behaviors and identify discrepancies or validation needs.
Proficient at documenting and presenting M&S results to technical teams and stakeholders in clear, concise formats.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple M&S-related tasks simultaneously.
Active DoD Security Clearance (Secret or higher) is required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Experience supporting strategic missile systems, particularly submarine-launched platforms or similar defense programs.
Familiarity with agencies such as NSWC Crane Division, OSD, or Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) conducting weapon system M&S activities.
Familiarity with DoD acquisition policies and guidelines, particularly relative to the TMRR phase (Milestone A to Milestone B).
Certification: INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) or DAU/APDP certification in systems engineering.

Responsibilities

Advise and execute M&S activities leveraging Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL) methodologies to support weapon system performance assessments.
Develop and adapt system-level and subsystem-level M&S scenarios to assess technical performance, system behaviors, and design compliance with requirements.
Design M&S environments to simulate real-world operating conditions and predict performance outcomes during development and testing phases.
Ensure M&S tools and frameworks support the Verification and Validation (V&V) of system requirements, system integration, and subsystem maturity.
Conduct M&S analyses to evaluate the performance of subsystems and integrated system architectures under various developmental and operational scenarios.
Conduct trade studies and parametric analyses using M&S tools to assess alternatives and system design decisions.
Use simulation data to verify design feasibility, identify potential deficiencies, and recommend design improvements.
Ensure the validity, accuracy, and credibility of M&S tools by validating their underlying algorithms, inputs, and outputs.
Work closely with stakeholders to confirm M&S environments accurately represent operational and technical constraints.
Recommend upgrades or enhancements to existing M&S frameworks or tools to improve their ability to support integrated systems engineering activities.
Integrate M&S results with Verification and Validation (V&V) efforts to ensure requirements are verified and performance is validated for both system- and subsystem-level requirements.
Collaborate with systems engineering, design, and test teams to ensure key data derived from M&S is incorporated into broader program deliverables, such as the Requirements Verification Compliance Matrix (RVCM) and system test plans.
Provide M&S-derived insights during key milestone reviews, including the System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), and other program reviews.
Collaborate with government stakeholders, engineers, and industry partners to define system M&S requirements, scenarios, and performance goals.
Prepare and deliver technical reports, briefings, and presentations summarizing M&S activities, findings, and recommendations to system stakeholders and senior leadership.
Provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff in developing and refining M&S models and tools, ensuring high-quality and technically sound simulations.