Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC)/Flight Dynamics Software Developer

LLNL•Livermore, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has multiple openings for a Guidance, Navigation, & Control (GNC)/Flight Dynamics Software Developer to support the Flight Performance Integration (FPI) program. FPI supports LLNL weapon system design and assessments with modeling and simulation utilizing custom in-house computational codes. The role involves code development within a Python modeling environment to create an integrated tool that interfaces with multiple engineering solvers and post-processing applications. This includes developing methods and tools to streamline engineering workflows, facilitate automation, and provide automated data extraction, preparing for a planned AI-driven virtual design assistant. These positions are in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering Directorate. Depending on the assignment, these positions may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence, with the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. The positions will be filled at either the SES.2 or SES.3 level based on knowledge and related experience.

Requirements

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
Master’s degree in engineering, computational science, applied math, physics, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Demonstrated programming ability in Python, C, C++, FORTRAN, or similar languages.
Proficient understanding of computational vehicle dynamics via 3-DoF and/or 6-DoF flight/reentry modeling including familiarity with aerodynamic performance coefficients.
Proficiency in vector calculus, linear algebra, and numerical methods for solving differential equations (ODEs/DAEs).
Knowledge of trajectory optimization tools and methods such as GPOPS-II, Dymos, OTIS, TAOS, STK, or similar.
Knowledge of dynamic optimization methods such as direct collocation, shooting methods, nonlinear programming, sequential quadratic programming, algorithmic differentiation, and related tools such as CasADI, Pyomo, IPOPT, & SNOPT.
Proficient interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills necessary to effectively present and explain technical information.
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, as well as independently.
Ability to travel.
Advanced knowledge and significant experience in computational modeling & Multi-disciplinary Design and Analysis Optimization (MDAO), including significant experience in developing modeling & simulation tools for aerospace applications (SES.3 level).
Significant experience with one or more programming languages such as Python, C/C++, FORTRAN, or other object oriented programming (OOP) languages (SES.3 level).
Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management (SES.3 level).

Nice To Haves

PhD in engineering, computational science, applied math, physics, or related field.
Experience conducting computational analysis in a multi-physics context and with software on massively parallel systems, particularly in the areas of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and/or structural mechanics.
Experience in development of software in a version-controlled environment (e.g. git), including testing, documentation, and software user support.
Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g. torch/pytorch, tensorflow, jax) and models, as well as training and fine-tuning models and one or more of the following: non-linear programming and optimization, uncertainty quantification, Bayesian learning, UI/UX design.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the development of new aerospace engineering analysis capabilities, such as optimal control, advanced 3DoF trajectory optimization, 6DoF trajectory optimization, and autopilot design software.
Support concept trade studies and derive GN&C requirements for future systems utilizing in-house flight simulation tools and engagement modeling codes such as AFSIM.
Contribute to the development of tools for managing CFD, Trajectory, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other numerical modeling workflows including preprocessing, post-processing, and data management.
Perform analysis of with a variety of flight modeling related tools with an emphasis on assembling them to enable novel analysis at scale utilizing high-performance computing (HPC) resources.
Support engineering and flight modeling analysts including debugging problems, providing alternative solutions, and quick feature implementation.
Document methods and implementation in both informal and formal reports and presentations.
Share relevant knowledge, analysis, and recommendations in collaboration with internal and external scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and computer scientists through reviews and working groups.
Collaborate with other development teams working on tools that support analysis workflows.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Independently determine technical objectives and criteria to satisfy project deliverables and execute the appropriate technical approaches (SES.3 level).
Apply advanced technical knowledge and best practices to guide successful completion of project and organizational goals (SES.3 level).
Lead and mentor junior staff, student fellows, and summer student researchers (SES.3 level).