Motion Simulator Washout Algorithms Expert

Amentum•Houston, TX

8d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a passionate and talented Motion Simulator Washout Algorithms Expert to join our team on the JETSII Contract. This role is responsible for the research, design, development, validation, and optimization of advanced motion cueing and washout algorithms for high-fidelity motion simulation systems. The successful candidate will be a technical leader in developing novel motion cueing methodologies to maximize motion realism while respecting the physical limitations of various motion platforms. This is a part-time opportunity focused on supporting NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline and a minimum of (20) years of experience in applied mathematics.
Demonstrated experience developing advanced mathematical models for dynamic systems.
Experience with motion simulation, robotics, control systems, or vehicle dynamics.
Experience designing numerical algorithms and simulation software.
Motion cueing and washout algorithm design.
Classical and modern control theory.
Optimization methods.
State-space modeling.
Dynamic systems analysis.
Parallel robot kinematics and dynamics.
Stewart platforms and hexapod motion systems.
Numerical methods and scientific computing.
Real-time simulation architectures.
Python
C++
MATLAB/Simulink
ROS
NASA Trick
Linux/Unix environments
Mathematica
Scientific visualization tools

Nice To Haves

Experience developing simulator washout filters for aerospace or spaceflight applications.
Experience with NASA or commercial simulator programs.
Experience with Stewart platforms, hexapods, or cable-driven parallel robots.
Knowledge of dual quaternions, Lie derivatives, and advanced robotic motion representations.
Experience developing controls for parallel actuated systems.
Published research in dynamics, controls, simulation, robotics, or motion cueing.
Familiarity with human-in-the-loop simulation and human factors evaluation.

Responsibilities

Develop advanced motion cueing and washout algorithms for six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) motion simulators.
Design adaptive, model-based, optimal, and nonlinear washout filters to improve simulator fidelity and user realism.
Research human vestibular and motion perception characteristics to enhance simulator performance.
Create mathematical models that reproduce translational and rotational motion cues within workspace constraints.
Evaluate classical, optimal-control, machine learning, and hybrid approaches to motion cueing.
Support development of washout filters for lunar, planetary, rover, lander, and spacecraft simulation systems.
Develop dynamic models of motion platforms.
Perform kinematic and dynamic analyses using matrix methods, Lie derivatives, quaternions, and dual quaternions.
Design and implement advanced control systems for parallel manipulators and motion simulators.
Conduct stability, robustness, and performance analysis of control architectures.
Develop numerical methods for constrained, under-actuated, and over-actuated systems.
Architect and develop simulation software for motion platform control and validation.
Implement algorithms in C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, ROS, NASA Trick, or similar simulation environments.
Develop real-time motion cueing software for hardware-in-the-loop test facilities.
Create software tools for visualization, tuning, testing, and performance assessment.
Support integration of simulator software with vehicle dynamics models.
Perform frequency-domain and time-domain performance evaluations.
Analyze subjective and objective metrics of motion realism.
Develop validation methodologies correlating simulated motion with target vehicle dynamics.
Support simulator acceptance testing and operational readiness reviews.