Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) & Trajectory Engineer

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

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

Required:

• 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)

Desired:

• 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

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.

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.

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