Principal Guidance Navigation and Control; GNC Trajectory Analyst

Worker Type

Regular

AV is looking for a highly talented Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) & Trajectory Analyst to join our team! In this role you will provide technical and advisory assistance to 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.

• Support the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Directorate for Test (MDA/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

• Master's degree and 12+ years of experience working on missile defense-related or other DoD programs/projects. Or Bachelor's degree and 20+ years of experience working on missile defense-related or other DoD programs/projects.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance
• US Citizenship required
• 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)

• 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 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.

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:

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