DARPA TTO Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Architecture Development Lead

About the role

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to various U.S. government agencies. The mission of DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office (TTO) is to develop innovative technologies for military hardware, focusing on rapid deployment and reducing risk and cost.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and independent assessments to Government Program Managers (PMs)
• Assist in the identification, development, and evaluation of new program concepts and technology initiatives
• Lead technical interchange meetings (TIMs), integrated product teams (IPTs), and design reviews
• Support program experimentation and test activities, including development of test plans and coordination with performers, government stakeholders, test ranges, and test facilities
• Evaluate technical progress, risks, and program execution across multiple performers and development efforts
• Author technical reports, program briefings, memoranda, and decision-support materials
• Support transition planning and engagement with military Services, Combatant Commands, and other transition partners
• Provide day-to-day program support, including participation in performer calls, major reviews, internal DARPA meetings, and stakeholder engagements

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical / aerospace / electrical / computer engineering or related field
• At least 12 years’ professional experience
• Must have an Active US Government Secret security clearance. US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• 5+ years of experience developing GNC, flight control, navigation, autopilot, and/or power electronics systems of aerospace vehicles as an individual contributor, project lead, or chief engineer
• Experience in a Department of War (DoW) research and development (R&D) organization (DARPA, SCO, AFRL, JHTO, etc.) or Acquisition organization (PAE Fires, SSP, AFLMC, etc.), and/or as a performer (industry, FFRDC, or UARC) to those kinds of organizations
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and technical development efforts
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• The demonstrated professionalism, maturity, sound judgement, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary for daily interactions with a Government Program Manager, other technical support personnel, and executive-level audiences in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Qualifications

• Doctorate in mechanical/aerospace/electrical/computer engineering or related field (highly desired)
• Active Top Secret security clearance, with ability to obtain SCI access (highly desired)
• 5+ years of experience supporting the development of hypersonic vehicles, re-entry systems, tactical missile systems, or other high-speed aerospace platforms (highly desired)
• Familiarity with high-level DoW programming, requirements, science & technology, and acquisition processes (highly desired)
• Experience conducting system architecture trades, modeling and simulation activities, verification and validation efforts, or flight test campaigns (highly desired)

Skills

• Experience in GNC, flight control, navigation, autopilot, and/or power electronics systems of aerospace vehicles
• Leadership and team management experience
• Technical writing and briefing skills
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retail benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Pay

$150-200K annual salary depending on qualifications

Schedule

Full time