Navigation Lead Engineer for Human Landing Systems

Job Description

Job Description

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you! We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration. We have an exciting opportunity for a Navigation Lead Engineer for Human Landing Systems to join our ESSCA contract team at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. Job Functions:Lead the insight/oversight effort of the HLS GNC group (across NASA centers) with regards to all aspects of the navigation systemLeading efforts for the Modeling and simulation of landing performance analysis of HLS trajectoriesLeading efforts for the integration of all relevant models into the simulation, including on-orbit estate estimation using ground tracking (e.g. range and doppler form Deep Space Network stations), on-board state estimation fusing inertial measurements with terrain relative sensing such as optical, radar, lidar measurementsStewards trade studies to assess navigation performance under dispersed model parameters to assess uncertainty of unknown model parameters, and evaluates navigation marginsAssesses HLS commercial partner test data and partner sensors and modelsDevelops in-house models and/or integrates sensor models from HLS commercial providers into 6-DOF simulations such as the GeneraLized Aerospace Simulation in Simulink (GLASS) toolPerforms and stewards deep space navigation studies to assess HLS partner's navigation performance using FreeFlyer, MONTE or JSC-Linear Covariance Tool (SIGMA)Execute/modify existing software/scripts in Python, Matlab, Fortran, C++Communicates naviation margin findings to HLS Chief Engineer and HLS commercial partnersMaintains and strengthens NASA HLS cross-center navigation teamDevelops and coordinates with the GNC discipline strategic planning for growing navigation expertise at MSFCProvide demonstrated (minimum of 10 years) expertise to support the Human Landing Systems (HLS) program navigation team at the level of a Subject Matter Expert, as part of the Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) discipline. Specifically, this task will entail technical leadership of a team of navigation engineers achieve safe Moon landing and return to Earth. Programming skills and mentoring abilities are highly desired.Qualifications A degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field from an ABET accredited institution is required. Typical experience requirements are:• Ph.D., with minimum of 14 years of experience,• MS with at least 18 years of experience, or• BS with at least 20-25 years of experience.To be successful in this position, the applicant must be detail oriented, work independently and collaboratively, possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, and will typically possess some of the following skills:Orbit Determination and Deep Space Navigation (Free Flyer, ODTK, MONTE, GMAT, Linear Covariance)Radar, LIDAR experienceIMU, accelerometer, rate gyro modeling, GPSTerrain Relative NavigationKalman Filtering and sensor fusion.Dynamically model descent systemsPython, Fortran, C++ , Matlab & Simulink programming experienceSupport the design, integration, and analysis of GN&C products.Configure, conduct, and analyze 6-DOF Monte Carlo simulations.Familiarity with Linux, Bash, and the use of computational clusters/serversProof of U.S. Citizenship is required. The candidate is REQUIRED to have the following skills and experiences:Significant navigation experienceTechnical leadership experienceDeep space navigation including ground tracking orbit determination or similar experienceOnboard strap on navigation, including IMU, Radar/Lidar, sensor fusion, and Kalman filtering or similar experienceDutiesDay to day activities include:Technical leadership of the HLS navigation team's modeling and simulation of HLS system, including simulation integration, visualization, analysis, and trade studiesInterfacing with commercial HLS partners and other NASA centersDebriefs to HLS partners and HLS Chief EngineersPerform and/or steward Deep Space Navigation studies, including Orbit determination accuracy of the HLS though its trajectory using FreeFlyer, MONTE and/or LinearCovariance (SIGMA) toolsDynamic modeling of the HLS trajectoryCreating, editing and debugging software written in Python, Matlab, Fortran, and C/C++.Optimization and improvement of analysis tools and GN&C models.Working with GN&C leads and other engineering disciplines.Supporting the verification and validation of technical products.Preparing and presenting technical reports and briefings.BenefitsCompetitive payPositive work-life balance100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability11 paid holidays annuallyGenerous PTO401k after 12 months of service with employer match Education assistanceRelocation assistance (if applicable) Mclaurin is a unique organization with a special focus on combining the best features of research and industry in order to foster innovation. Our organization strongly supports research, publication, and engagement with the academic community. We encourage our employees to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in their respective disciplines. US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required. Mclaurin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.