Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer

About the role

AV is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer to join our Kinetic Effectors Group. This role will lead the Modeling and Simulation Team from requirements through development and oversight of flight software models for the Next Generation Counter Uncrewed Aerial System Missile (NGCM) in support of national defense objectives.

Responsibilities

• Support the GNC team in design, analysis, and implementation of GNC algorithms for missile systems including autopilot design, trajectory optimization, and navigation filters (e.g., Kalman filters).
• Develop and validate 6-DOF (degrees of freedom) missile simulation models including aerodynamics, propulsion, and sensor models.
• Support integration of GNC software with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations and flight hardware.
• Work with missile system engineers to design, develop and use modeling and simulation tools to conduct trade studies, performance assessments, and conceptual design studies across the missile mission space.
• Shape missile test and evaluation activities to include scenario development, operations and pre/post flight analysis.
• Lead and contribute to mission analysis efforts for system verification and validation.
• Analyze system performance under various mission scenarios and environmental conditions.
• Collaborate with systems, software, hardware, and test engineers throughout the full missile development lifecycle to include guidance, navigation, control, propulsion, seekers, and warhead systems.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and peer review within the GNC team.
• Prepare and present technical documentation, reports, and design reviews for internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee system verification and validation, including support of test planning, execution, and analysis.
• Participate in proposal development, including assisting with plans and specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to advise government and contractor partners on engineering challenges and design trades.
• Produce reports and presentations to communicate study results to team members and government partners.

Requirements

• Required Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8-12 years of relevant professional experience (with a bachelor's degree).
• Candidate must be a U.S. citizen with an active Secret security clearance, but exceptional candidates with the ability to successfully undergo government screening to obtain the appropriate level of clearance will also be considered.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, and simulation tools for GNC development, 6-DOF, and Monte-Carlo simulation.
• Have experience working with and developing modeling and simulation tools.
• Familiarity with flight vehicle physics and dynamics.
• Experience developing simulations for mission (medium fidelity) and engineering-level (high-fidelity) studies.
• Experience with verification and validation of M&S tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing is essential.
• Must be proficient in use Microsoft business tools including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Be extremely organized with strong multi-tasking and time-management skills, be able to deliver the highest quality service, and be able to handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.
• Able to travel to support supplier reviews, customer meetings, and test events.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experienced working in classified computing environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Software in the Loop (SWIL) and/or Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) simulations.

Pay

The Salary Range For This Role Is $133,500 - $203,750

Schedule

N/A

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K with company matching
• A 9/80 work schedule
• A paid holiday shutdown

About AV

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.