Principal GNC and Trajectory Analyst

Support the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Directorate for Test (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 Bachelor's degree and 20+ years working on missile defense-related or other DoD programs/projects OR a Master's degree and 12+ years working on missile defense-related or other DoD programs/projects Active DoD Secret security clearance, which requires US Citizenship 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) 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