DARPA TTO Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Architecture Development Lead

Amentum•Arlington, TX

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

Amentum is seeking a mid- to senior-level engineer / scientist with experience in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) architecture development to support DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office (TTO). TTO's mission is to reimagine military hardware design, development, test, manufacture, and sustainment with a focus on rapid, affordable, and scalable deployment to create and prevent technological surprise. TTO aims to demonstrate compelling hardware at the smallest scale that traces to disruptive capability, with designs that reduce risk and cost by managing complexity and can be manufactured responsively and affordably. The ability to work on-site at the client location (Ballston neighborhood of Arlington VA) is preferred, though arrangements for some degree of hybrid work may be possible. Some travel (~25%), local as well as domestic, will be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical / aerospace / electrical / computer engineering or related field
At least 12 years’ professional experience
Must have an Active US Government Secret security clearance. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
5+ years of experience developing GNC, flight control, navigation, autopilot, and/or power electronics systems of aerospace vehicles as an individual contributor, project lead, or chief engineer
Experience in a Department of War (DoW) research and development (R&D) organization (DARPA, SCO, AFRL, JHTO, etc.) or Acquisition organization (PAE Fires, SSP, AFLMC, etc.), and/or as a performer (industry, FFRDC, or UARC) to those kinds of organizations
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and technical development efforts
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
The demonstrated professionalism, maturity, sound judgement, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary for daily interactions with a Government Program Manager, other technical support personnel, and executive-level audiences in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Doctorate in mechanical/aerospace/electrical/computer engineering or related field
Active Top Secret security clearance, with ability to obtain SCI access
5+ years of experience supporting the development of hypersonic vehicles, re-entry systems, tactical missile systems, or other high-speed aerospace platforms
Familiarity with high-level DoW programming, requirements, science & technology, and acquisition processes
Experience conducting system architecture trades, modeling and simulation activities, verification and validation efforts, or flight test campaigns

Responsibilities

Provide technical support and independent assessments to Government Program Managers (PMs)
Assist in the identification, development, and evaluation of new program concepts and technology initiatives
Lead technical interchange meetings (TIMs), integrated product teams (IPTs), and design reviews
Support program experimentation and test activities, including development of test plans and coordination with performers, government stakeholders, test ranges, and test facilities
Evaluate technical progress, risks, and program execution across multiple performers and development efforts
Author technical reports, program briefings, memoranda, and decision-support materials
Support transition planning and engagement with military Services, Combatant Commands, and other transition partners
Provide day-to-day program support, including participation in performer calls, major reviews, internal DARPA meetings, and stakeholder engagements