Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) & Trajectory Analyst

AV; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holidays

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) & Trajectory Analyst to support the Targets Program Office within the Missile Defense Agency. The role emphasizes refining and implementing target trajectories for flight tests, with hands-on work in GNC, modeling, and data analysis.

The candidate will analyze 6-DoF/3-DoF trajectories, collaborate with engineers, and leverage MATLAB/Python/C++ tools to deliver robust data products and test insights for decision making.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 12+ years of missile defense-related experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 20+ years.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance required.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, equations of motion, coordinate systems, and vehicle dynamics.
• Experience with missile trajectory analysis across coordinate frames and endo/exo-atmospheric behavior.
• Knowledge of satellite orbital mechanics, ephemeris, orbit propagation, perturbations, maneuver planning.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, Java, C#, and other programming languages.
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools (TAOS, STK).
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Support MDA/DT Targets program office with development of missile defense target vehicles.
• Support Targets System Engineering in requirements development, modeling, simulation, and test reporting.
• Utilize knowledge of missile characteristics to support engineering activities and data products.
• Focus on GNC, M&S, and vehicle performance assessments.
• Generate and analyze 6-DoF and 3-DoF trajectory data using TAOS and in-house tools (MATLAB, Python, C++).
• Support flight test analysis and trajectory reconstruction from onboard data.
• Collaborate with a team of experts to develop analysis and engineering tools.

Skills

Strong communication

US Citizenship

Active DoD Secret clearance

DoD program experience

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Java

C#

TAOS

STK

Job description

Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Required

• 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)

Desired

• 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

ITAR Requirement

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.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

EEO Statement

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.