Principal GNC & Trajectory Engineer

Canvas; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Canvas in Huntsville, Alabama is seeking a Principal GNC & Trajectory Engineer. In this pivotal role, you'll provide technical assistance to the Targets Program Office, refining and implementing target trajectories for flight tests. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in missile defense and a Master's degree in a STEM field. Responsibilities include supporting target design and analysis alongside a dynamic team, leveraging tools like MATLAB and Python, while maintaining a Secret security clearance.

Qualifications

• 12+ years working on missile defense-related or other DoD programs/projects.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Support development of missile defense target vehicles.
• Utilize skills with missile characteristics for engineering activities.
• Analyze vehicle onboard instrumentation data.

Skills

Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC)

Modeling and Simulation (M&S)

Trajectory analysis

Proficiency in MATLAB

Proficiency in Python

Strong understanding of aerodynamics

Strong oral and written communication

Education

Master’s degree in STEM field

Bachelor’s degree in STEM field with 7+ years experience

Tools

TAOS

STK

Microsoft Office

Job description

Canvas is looking for a 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

Clearance Required

Secret