Principal GNC Trajectory Engineer

APEX TK LLC; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense technology company in Huntsville, AL is looking for a Principal GNC & Trajectory Engineer. The ideal candidate will have 12+ years of experience in missile defense or related DoD programs, alongside a Master's degree in a STEM field. Proficiency in tools like MATLAB and knowledge of aerodynamics are essential. This role involves supporting target vehicle development and flight test analysis. Candidates must possess an active DoD Secret security clearance to apply.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in STEM field is required, 12+ years in missile defense or DoD programs.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance required.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and Java is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support missile defense target vehicle development and analysis.
• Generate and analyze 6-DoF and 3-DoF trajectory data.
• Collaborate with a team of experts to develop analysis tools.

Skills

Aerodynamics principles

Guidance Navigation and Control

Communication skills

Modeling and simulation tools

Programming (MATLAB, Python, Java, C#)

STK

Education

Master's degree in STEM field

Bachelor’s degree in STEM field with relevant experience

Tools

TAOS

STK

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

General Overview

APEX TK is looking for an amazingly talented Principal GNC & Trajectory Engineer 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

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• Master's degree in 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, 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)

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

• 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