Senior Performance Analysis Engineer – Ground-based Missile Defense

AeroVironment, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental and vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in Huntsville, AL seeks a Senior Performance Analysis Engineer to join the Ground-based Missile Defense program. You will perform mission and system analyses to evaluate engagement outcomes and operational capability across threat scenarios, using modeling, simulation, MATLAB and Python.

Responsibilities include developing analytical tools, Monte Carlo simulations, and communicating results to leadership. A SECRET or higher clearance is 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) required.
• Demonstrated experience supporting MDA GMD Programs.
• Advanced proficiency in MATLAB for model development, data analysis, visualization.
• Proficiency with Python and libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib).
• Experience evaluating missile defense engagement performance, interceptor effectiveness, or mission performance.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis, numerical methods, optimization, and simulation-based assessment.
• Experience translating analyses into actionable engineering recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for 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, and mission outcomes.
• Design, develop, and maintain analytical tools using MATLAB and Python.
• Conduct Monte Carlo simulations and trade-space assessments to support decisions.
• Analyze large datasets from simulations to identify trends and improvements.
• Produce technical reports and data visualizations for leadership.
• Collaborate with engineers, M&S teams, software developers and SMEs.
• Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer briefings.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Security clearance

MDA GMD experience

Statistics

Monte Carlo

Data visualization

Engagement performance

Quantitative analysis

Communication

Education

Master's Degree in STEM

Tools

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.