Principal GNC & Trajectory Analyst (MDA)

Mission Driven Research, Inc; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Mission Driven Research, Inc is seeking a Principal GNC & Trajectory Analyst to provide technical support for missile defense programs. Applicants must have extensive experience in missile defense, plus hands-on skills in trajectory analysis using MATLAB, Python, and other programming languages.

This full-time position requires a Bachelor’s degree with over 20 years related work experience or a Master’s with 12+ years. A Secret security clearance is necessary. Join our team and contribute to vital defense solutions!

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience with missile defense-related projects or 12+ years with a Master’s degree.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance required.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and GNC principles.

Responsibilities

• Support missile defense target vehicle development.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on analysis and tool development.
• Generate and analyze target trajectory data using industry-standard tools.

Skills

Aerospace principles

Trajectory analysis

Modeling and simulation

Communication skills

Programming in MATLAB, Python, Java, C#

Education

Bachelor’s degree or Master's degree in relevant field

Tools

TAOS

STK

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

MDR is looking for an amazingly talented Principal GNC & Trajectory Analyst to join our team! In this role you will provide technical and advisory assistance to Targets Program Office 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.

What You'll Be Doing

• 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 Skills

• 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)

Desired Skills

• 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

Position Requirements

• Clearance Required: Secret
• Position Level: Principal
• Employment Type: Full Time
• Years Related Work Experience: 20
• Education Level Required: 4-year

Mission Driven Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. If you are interested in applying for employment with Mission Driven Research and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, please contact us by email ([e-mail]) or by phone by calling [phone]. When contacting us, please provide your contact information and state the nature of your accessibility issue.