Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) & Trajectory Engineer

AeroVironment • Huntsville, AL

3d

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 This is a pipeline requisition posted in advance of approved headcount for future hiring needs. Note: Our team is always interested in speaking with exceptional candidates though please note this is a Pipeline posting with more of an eye towards our future needs rather than necessarily being an immediate hire. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

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)

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

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.
• For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
• We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal