Senior Research Associate: Aerospace Engineering

San José State University Research Foundation; United States; Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision for dependents

Paid holidays

Retirement plan: 403(b)

Professional development

Job summary

The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) seeks a senior aerospace engineer to advance flight controls, autonomy, and related software tools at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. This is a senior role requiring strong research leadership and collaboration with government and industry partners.

You will mentor engineers, validate flight control software tools, and contribute to simulations and system integration efforts supporting Army modernization priorities.

Qualifications

• MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field required.
• Numerical analysis, flight dynamics and control; aircraft simulation; linear control theory.

Responsibilities

• Perform research and development in flight controls, handling qualities, and autonomy for VTOL aircraft.
• Provide SME to program offices and industry partners in the aforementioned technical areas.
• Support development and flight testing of the RASCAL X Vehicle Mission Management Computer (VMMC).
• Collaborate with government and contractor teams to integrate modeling and simulation tools into Army programs.
• Document methods, results, and present findings for technical reviews.

Skills

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Independent research

Flight control knowledge

UAS controls

Education

MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

C/C++

Job description

OUR STATEMENT

The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value. The Psychology Department at San Jose State University is involved in collaborative research efforts with civil service scientists from the U.S. Army’s Technology Development Directorate (TDD) Research Group at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. This is a senior-level engineering position with TDD focused on Flight Test, Flight Controls and Autonomy as it relates to the Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) and Contested Logistics (CL) modernization priorities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform research and development in the areas of flight controls, handling qualities, and autonomy for manned and unmanned vertical take‑off and landing aircraft.
• Provide subject matter expertise to program offices and industry partners in the aforementioned technical areas.
• Support the Rotorcraft In‑Flight Laboratory (RIFL) team with the development, validation and flight testing of the new RASCAL X Vehicle Mission Management Computer (VMMC).
• Mentor junior engineers, transfer knowledge, and help ensure continuity of branch operations.
• Apply knowledge and experience to conduct and guide further development of the Rotorcraft Aircrews Systems Concepts Airborne Laboratory (RASCAL) Development Facility (DF).
• Support development of the Ames Gen Hel model of the UH‑60 Black Hawk in support of DF and System Integration Laboratory (SIL) simulations.
• Perform validation of flight control software tools which include CONDUIT and RIPTIDE.
• Support and contribute to software development activities related to flight control software tools (CONDUIT, RIPTIDE); Provide assessment and feedback to software change proposals.
• Collaborate with government and contractor teams to integrate modeling and simulation tools into Army programs.
• Document methods, results, and present findings to support technical and program reviews.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

Reports to the Project Director. Interacts with Foundation research staff and civil service staff on a daily basis via telephone, email, Teams, and/or in‑person. Telework from an approved location is permitted.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field required.

Education in the following areas:

• Numerical analysis and statistical methods, flight dynamics and control; aircraft simulation; classical and optimal control; linear control theory.

Experience in an applied research setting is highly desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work on collaborative teams or independently.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.
• General knowledge of flight control and fixed/rotary wing aircraft and unmanned aerial system (UAS) controls.
• Demonstrated strong competency in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, and/or C/C++.
• Experience conducting design reviews, peer reviews and technical meetings.

Physical Requirements

• Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally.
• Located at the NASA Ames Research Center.
• Employee must meet security qualifications for entrance to Ames Research Center.
• Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Frequent and ongoing use of a computer terminal to conduct a variety of the more advanced clerical functions and communications.
• Periodic, regular, and/or occasional contact with employees of the Research Foundation at all levels, San José State University faculty and staff, and/or vendors, with the ability to discuss and appropriately respond to inquiries and requests.
• Periodic regular lifting, walking, and carrying of files, documents and other related materials.
• Strength, dexterity, and coordination and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a regular basis.
• Ability to listen to verbal requests from customers, clients, and vendors, and to respond appropriately.
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the SJSURF. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current SJSURF employees who apply for the position.

Compensation Range

Compensation Range: $190,000 - 220,000 annually, DOQ/E

BENEFITS

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).
• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.
• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.
• 14 paid federal & state holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.
• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.
• Employee discounts.
• Paid training and professional‑development conferences.
• Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at [e-mail]. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information.

ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION

SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San José State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non‑profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self‑supported. The majority of the organization’s funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational‑related activities. San José State University Research Foundation is an Affiantive Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment or services are not subjected to discrimination. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. This policy is in accordance with federal, state and local laws and reaffirms the Research Foundation’s continuing commitment to both the spirit and intent of equal employment opportunity laws and policies. San José State University Research Foundation is an EOE M/F/Vet/Disability. Learn more about our organizations EEO and AAP policy by visiting our website HERE. Data metrics on the AAP is available for review upon request. Please also visit OFCCP for additional resources: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters. If you have any questions or need assistance or an accommodation in completing this application, please contact Research Foundation HR at (408) 924‑5582. We participate in E‑verify.

SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San José State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non‑profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self‑supported. The majority of the organization’s funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational‑related activities.