Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) & Trajectory Engineer

AeroVironment•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

AV is looking for a highly talented Principal Navigation and Control (GNC) & Trajectory Engineer to join our team! In this role you will provide technical and advisory assistance to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Targets Program Office (MDA/DTE) by aiding in the refinement and implementation of Target trajectories in support of the agencies flight test events to validate the weapon and system sensors. Job Description: Support the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Directorate for Test Targets Program Office (MDA/DTE) 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

Requirements

Master's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (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
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 (M&S) tools (e.g., TAOS, STK)
Strong oral and written communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

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 Targets Program Office (MDA/DTE) 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
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