On-Site Missile Navigation Analyst (Hill AFB, Utah)

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Do you want an exciting opportunity to represent APL onsite at Hill AFB on a significant program of national importance while working directly with Sponsors, industry peers and other APL team members?
Do you have a passion for working in a fast-paced, high impact environment with a focus on missile system GNC technologies?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a Missile Navigation Analyst to independently evaluate the navigation accuracy performance of the Sentinel strategic missile system. This will be an on-site position, working at Hill Air Force base alongside other on-site APL personnel, our government sponsor, other government mission partners, and the Sentinel contractor.
As a On-Site Missile Navigation Analyst...
You will interface directly with the sponsor to understand their needs, and work with APL’s Sentinel key leaders, System Definition and Validation Group (KBY) and other line-side key leaders, and fellow members of KBY’s on-site technical team to recommend, support, and execute APL work in support of the Sentinel Program Office’s desire to “own the technical baseline”.
Your primary responsibility is to serve as part of APL’s forward-based team supporting the Sentinel program which enhances APL’s ability as an organization to support our government sponsor. In doing so, you will maintain regular communications with APL’s program and project managers, line-side leaders and organizations, and fellow members of the KBY on-site technical team to increase awareness of Sentinel activities, developments, decisions, areas of concern, and opportunities where APL can help the Sentinel program.
You will serve as a technical advisor and subject matter expert to the government for missile navigation and reentry vehicle (RV) accuracy performance. This includes communicating accuracy evaluation results, methodologies, and processes, and acting as a liaison between the government and the APL home campus team.
You will work with the Sentinel Prime Contractor and other industry partners to advise, review, and contribute to the evaluation of Sentinel test data and the development and testing of accuracy evaluation processes.
You will participate in and present at navigation accuracy related meetings and broader Guidance, Navigation, and Control meetings.
You will utilize APL-developed tools, processes, and methodologies to evaluate accuracy across all phases of Sentinel flight and reentry using real flight and ground test data.

Requirements

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Physics (or closely related technical field), with 5+ of relevant experience.
• Have 3 years of specific experience or in one or more of the following: Estimation Methods (Kalman Filters), Inertial Navigation, or Flight Dynamics.
• Have a strong sense of curiosity to understand how and why a system works and the ambition to follow up on that curiosity.
• Are proficient in Matlab.
• Are a thought leader with a keen ability to influence others.
• Are able to effectively shape the day-to-day tasking to meet sponsor needs, multi-task, and adapt to changing demands with minimal guidance.
• Have exceptionally strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, and ability to interface with senior military and civil service personnel.
• Are willing to relocate to Utah in the vicinity of Hill AFB, with periodic travel to APL, contractor sites, and to other locations.
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally (potentially 5-6 trips per year of duration one week or less, including travel back to the APL Laurel campus).
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and are able to obtain a Top Secret/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Have an M.S. (or above) in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics (or closely related technical field) and/or 5+ years of Estimation Methods (Kalman Filters), Inertial Navigation, or Flight Dynamics experience.
• Have proficiency with simulation tools (functional or covariance) that predict the performance of dynamic systems.
• Are a proven thought leader with sponsor engagement experience.
• Currently hold an active Top Secret clearance (or above).

Responsibilities

• Interface directly with the sponsor to understand their needs
• Recommend, support, and execute APL work in support of the Sentinel Program Office’s desire to “own the technical baseline”.
• Maintain regular communications with APL’s program and project managers, line-side leaders and organizations, and fellow members of the KBY on-site technical team to increase awareness of Sentinel activities, developments, decisions, areas of concern, and opportunities where APL can help the Sentinel program.
• Serve as a technical advisor and subject matter expert to the government for missile navigation and reentry vehicle (RV) accuracy performance.
• Communicate accuracy evaluation results, methodologies, and processes, and acting as a liaison between the government and the APL home campus team.
• Work with the Sentinel Prime Contractor and other industry partners to advise, review, and contribute to the evaluation of Sentinel test data and the development and testing of accuracy evaluation processes.
• Participate in and present at navigation accuracy related meetings and broader Guidance, Navigation, and Control meetings.
• Utilize APL-developed tools, processes, and methodologies to evaluate accuracy across all phases of Sentinel flight and reentry using real flight and ground test data.

Benefits

• We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
• Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees