Principal GNC & Trajectory Analyst

Telesis; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Telesis is seeking an experienced missile-defense systems engineer in Nashville to refine and implement target trajectories for flight-test events. You will work on GNC, modeling & simulation, and 6-DoF/3-DoF trajectory analysis using TAOS, MATLAB, Python, and C++.

Successful candidates will have a DoD background, an active secret clearance, and strong communication skills. You will collaborate with a team of experts across engineering disciplines to deliver rigorous data products and test

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree with substantial DoD missile defense experience.
• Active DoD Secret clearance and US citizenship required.
• Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, equations of motion, coordinate systems, and vehicle dynamics.
• Experience with missile trajectory analysis in multiple coordinate frames and endo/exo-atmospheric regimes.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, Java, C#, and other programming languages.
• Experience with modeling & simulation tools TAOS/STK.

Responsibilities

• Refine and implement missile-defense target trajectories for flight-test events.
• Support Targets System Engineering in requirements development, modeling, simulation, and test reporting.
• Analyze target vehicle 6-DoF/3-DoF trajectories using TAOS, MATLAB, Python, or C++ tools.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to develop analysis tools and data products.
• Process aircraft instrumentation data for trajectory reconstruction and flight-test analysis.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Java

C#

Communication skills

GNC concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

TAOS

STK

Job description

Company Description

Telesis is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business advancing missile defense, systems engineering, AI, and aerospace design — on our own programs and in support of our partners. Most roles require U.S. citizenship and an active security clearance. Select a role to see full details.

Overview of role

Refine and implement missile-defense target trajectories supporting agency flight-test events — GNC, modeling & simulation, and 6-DoF/3-DoF trajectory analysis (TAOS, MATLAB, Python).

What you'll do

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

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 20+ years working on missile defense-related or other DoD programs/projects OR a Master's degree and 12+ years working on missile defense-related or other DoD programs/projects
• Active DoD Secret security clearance, which requires 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 tools (e.g., TAOS, STK)
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Preferred qualifications

• 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