Sr Aerospace Guidance Engineer

Jacobs Space Exploration Group (JSEG) is comprised of 10 companies and is located at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL (ranked #1 in Best Places to Live by U.S. News for 2022-2023). JSEG has been a primary contractor for NASA since 1989 and supports marquee NASA programs, including the Space Launch System, International Space Station, space optics fabrication, earth and space sciences and advanced propulsion system development. As a partner in NASA’s next generation of space exploration, our jobs are literally history in the making!

Position Description

As an Aerospace Guidance Engineer, you will develop, implement, and verify guidance algorithms for real-time trajectory optimization for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) and Human Landing Systems (HLS).  Trajectory analyses will be based on fundamental principles of orbital mechanics, with increasing levels of fidelity and complexity added as more detailed modeling is required.  Monte Carlo, design of experiments, and other methods will be used to assess vehicle and stage performance.  Trajectories for ascent, descent, rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking will be analyzed in support of trade and sensitivity studies affecting system configuration and mission designs.

Qualifications

A degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required.  A degree from an ABET accredited institution preferred.  Typically, educational requirements are the equivalent of a Ph.D., with a minimum 9 years of experience, Masters with at least 13 years of experience, or BS with at least 15 years of experience.

Required Skills & Experiences:

Strong evidence of the following skills is needed:

·         Matlab AND Matlab Simulink

·         Trajectory Optimization

·         Optimal Control OR Model Predictive Control

Desired Skills & Experiences: 

Skills and experience will likely include:

·         Experience with guidance algorithms for entry, descent, and landing.

·         Knowledge of advanced guidance techniques, trajectory planning, and trajectory optimization.

·         Knowledge of convex optimization and numerical optimization methods

·         Fundamental understanding of optimal control theory and methods.

·         Strong proficiency in programming, especially with Python or C/C

·         Knowledge of astrodynamics and flight mechanics

·         Knowledge of Monte Carlo, design of experiments, and statistical analysis

·         Proficiency with modeling and simulation of aerospace vehicles

    Strong proficiency in technical writing, communication, and presentation.

​​​​​​The Jacobs Space Exploration Group (JSEG) offers a partnership in which you can grow personally and professionally within a framework of strong leadership, competitive compensation, and rewarding career paths. Come join our team on the Engineering Services and Science Capability Augmentation (ESSCA) contract whose work is destined to have a long-range effect on future generations!

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Essential Functions

Work Environment: 

Office environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (10%).  Requires ability to work at a computer for long periods of time (100%).

Physical Requirements:

Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (80%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and Jacobs facilities (10%).  

Equipment and Machines: 

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).

Attendance: 

Normal workday is from 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

Other Essential Functions:

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required. 

#ESSCA