Senior Performance Analysis Engineer – Ground-based Missile Defense

AeroVironment, Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Senior Performance Analysis Engineer to join our ground-based missile defense team. You will perform mission and system performance analyses to evaluate engagement outcomes and operational capability across threat scenarios.

You will develop analytical tools in MATLAB and Python, conduct Monte Carlo simulations, and present results to government and contractor leadership. A SECRET clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in STEM field.
• 12+ years of related professional experience.
• Active security clearance (SECRET or above) required.
• Experience supporting MDA GMD programs.
• Advanced MATLAB proficiency for model development, data analysis, and visualization.
• Python proficiency with NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib.
• Experience evaluating MD engagement performance or interceptor effectiveness.
• Strong understanding of statistics, numerical methods, optimization, and simulation-based assessment.
• Experience translating simulation results into engineering recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for presenting analyses to government customers and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Perform performance analyses of GMD system capabilities using modeling and simulation tools.
• Develop methodologies to evaluate system effectiveness, interceptor performance, engagement outcomes, and mission success.
• Design, develop, and maintain analytical tools using MATLAB and Python.
• Conduct statistical analyses, sensitivity studies, Monte Carlo simulations, and trade-space assessments to support engineering and program decisions.
• Analyze large datasets from missile defense simulations to identify trends, assess system performance, and recommend improvements.
• Develop technical reports, presentations, and data visualizations communicating analytical results to government and contractor leadership.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, modeling and simulation teams, software developers, and SMEs to define analysis approaches and performance metrics.
• Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer briefings.
• Maintain analytical documentation and ensure consistency of modeling assumptions and methodologies.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Numerical methods

Optimization techniques

Simulation-based assessment

Data interpretation

Education

Master's Degree in STEM

Tools

MATLAB

Python

NumPy

SciPy

Pandas

Matplotlib

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description AV is looking for a highly talented, team-oriented Senior Performance Analysis Engineer to join our Huntsville, AL team. In this role you will support the analysis and assessment of Ground-based Missile Defense (GMD) systems in support of Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The successful candidate will perform mission and system performance analyses to evaluate weapon system effectiveness, engagement performance, and operational capability across a range of threat scenarios.

Description

• Perform performance analyses of GMD system capabilities using modeling and simulation tools.
• Develop and execute analytical methodologies to evaluate system effectiveness, interceptor performance, engagement outcomes, and mission success.
• Design, develop, and maintain analytical tools using MATLAB and Python.
• Conduct statistical analyses, sensitivity studies, Monte Carlo simulations, and trade-space assessments to support engineering and program decisions.
• Analyze large datasets generated from missile defense simulations to identify trends, assess system performance, and recommend improvements.
• Develop technical reports, presentations, and data visualizations that clearly communicate analytical results to government and contractor leadership.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, modeling and simulation teams, software developers, and subject matter experts to define analysis approaches and performance metrics.
• Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer briefings.
• Maintain analytical documentation and ensure consistency of modeling assumptions and methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field.
• 12+ years of related professional experience.
• Active security clearance (SECRET or above) is required.
• Demonstrated experience supporting MDA GMD Programs.
• Advanced proficiency in MATLAB, including model development, data analysis, and visualization.
• Proficiency with Python, including scientific computing libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib.
• Experience evaluating missile defense (MD) engagement performance, interceptor effectiveness, mission performance, or system operational capability.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis, numerical methods, optimization techniques, and simulation-based performance assessment.
• Experience interpreting simulation outputs and translating analytical findings into actionable engineering recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting technical analyses to government customers and senior leadership.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting MDA Element or System-level performance assessments.
• Knowledge of MD architectures, kill chain analysis, threat modeling, and engagement planning.
• Experience with Monte Carlo analysis and digital engineering environments.
• Experience integrating AI/MIL into analytical processes.

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. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

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.

For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits. We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

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. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

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.

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.

ITAR About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

Careers at AeroVironment