Spacecraft Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Analyst

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

This role involves designing algorithms, flight software, and testing hardware for spacecraft Guidance and Control (G&C) and Mission/Trajectory Design (MD) during Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO). The position supports both civil and national security space organizations on cutting-edge space missions. The engineer will contribute to the development, analysis, testing, and delivery of spacecraft for NASA and National Security Space missions, including those reaching the extremes of the solar system, formation flying, cislunar space, planetary defense, and developing landers. Responsibilities include supporting pre-launch spacecraft development and post-launch operations performance analysis and system updates. The role is within the Astrodynamics and Controls Group and focuses on developing toolsets and performing analysis related to the rendezvous and proximity operations phase of missions. This includes implementing trajectory control and estimation algorithms, actuator and sensor hardware models, dynamic simulations, and developing/testing ground software for integration with flight and ground support equipment. The role also involves integration and testing of spacecraft through scenario testing and data analysis, supporting spacecraft operations, and developing analysis tools for pre and post-launch activities.

Requirements

Possess a MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
Have at least 5 years of experience in the design, analysis, or development of complex aerospace systems.
Skilled in analytical and numerical computing software, such as MATLAB and Simulink.
Able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.
U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Possess a PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
Have at least 10 years of spacecraft mission experience in either design, analysis, development, testing, or operations.
Have worked on a program that performed RPO activities.
Experience in extended Kalman Filters, Frequency Domain Analysis, or Stability and Jitter Analysis.
Possess an active Top Secret clearance (or above).

Responsibilities

Assist in the design, development, and delivery of mission concepts for various Earth, cislunar, and/or interplanetary spacecraft, with a primary focus on developing toolsets and performing analysis related to the rendezvous and proximity operations phase of missions.
Assist in the implementation of trajectory control and estimation algorithms, actuator and sensor hardware models, and dynamic simulations.
Assist in the development and testing of ground software to support the integration of testbed algorithms and flight software with flight and ground support equipment hardware.
Assist with the integration and test of spacecraft through scenario testing and data analysis.
Support spacecraft operations.
Develop analysis tools for pre and post-launch activities.