Principal GNC & Trajectory Engineer

Canvas Inc. • Huntsville, AL

1d

About The Position

Canvas is looking for a talented Principal GNC & Trajectory Engineer to join their team. In this role, the engineer will provide technical and advisory assistance to the Targets Program Office by aiding in the refinement and implementation of Target trajectories in support of agency flight test events to validate weapon and system sensors. Canvas, founded in 2007, delivers real-world engineering and technology solutions that strengthen national defense. The company is guided by technical excellence, operational insight, and a shared commitment to the warfighter, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration. Their work supports key national security priorities like missile defense, test and evaluation, digital transformation, and warfighter readiness. Canvas is an award-winning company built on integrity, agility, and innovation, continuously growing and delivering mission-critical solutions that support the future of national defense.

Requirements

• Master's degree in STEM field (e.g., physics, engineering, math.)
• 12+ years working on missile defense-related or other DoD programs/projects (Note: Bachelor’s degree in STEM field with 7+ years of relevant experience may be considered)
• Active DoD Secret security clearance, which requires US Citizenship
• Strong understanding of principles of aerodynamics; equations of motion; coordinate systems; vehicle dynamics; guidance, navigation, and control; etc.
• Experience with missile trajectory analysis to include working in different coordinate frames, endo- and exo-atmospheric behaviors, and identifying key trajectory parameters
• Knowledge of satellite orbital mechanics, ephemeris, orbit propagation, perturbations, determination, and maneuver planning
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, Java, C#, and other programming languages
• Skilled in use of modeling and simulation tools (e.g., TAOS, STK)
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with MDA and/or DoD programs and processes
• Experience in any or all of the following disciplines: Design, CAD, Trajectory, Radar Cross Section (RCS) Signatures, Optical Signatures
• Strong attention to detail and ability to efficiently perform multiple tasks
• Ability to communicate detailed technical information to technical and non-technical personnel

Responsibilities

• Support the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Directorate for Test (DT) Targets program office with development of missile defense target vehicles
• Support the Targets System Engineering team in all aspects of target design, analysis, and test to include requirements development and assessment, modeling and simulation, test analysis and reporting
• Utilize knowledge, skills and experience with missile characteristics (physical, kinematics, signatures) and engineering to support engineering activities and data product development
• Technical focus areas include Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC), Modeling and Simulation (M&S), and vehicle performance assessments
• Generate and analyze target vehicle 6-DoF and 3-DoF trajectory data using industry standard (e.g., TAOS) and in-house developed (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++) tools
• Support flight test analysis and reporting to include analyzing vehicle onboard instrumentation data and generating trajectory reconstruction
• Collaborate with a dynamic team of experts in multiple technical areas to develop analysis and engineering tools

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees