MQ-25 Flight Dynamics Engineer

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees solve the most daunting challenges that our customers face.

About the Role

Peraton is seeking a Flight Dynamics Branch's MQ-25 engineering team member to assess the overall MQ-25 air system performance, safety, and reliability, specifically related to flying Mission Plan routes. This is a hybrid position in the Lexington Park, Maryland area.

You will execute six degree of freedom (6DOF) simulation analyses using Boeing's MODAVSIM simulation with Mission Plan routes provided by MQ-25 Integrated Test Team (ITT) and Air Vehicle Pilots (AVPs). This role plays a critical part in airworthiness and flight certification by assessing criteria relevant to flight path control, air vehicle performance, flight characteristics, and Vehicle Management System (VMS) logic and flight and ground control law (CLAW) performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop tools to run batch-style simulations using MODAVSIM and MATLAB
• Document process/procedures for 6DOF analysis and reporting as draft content for the MQ-25 Mission Plan Validation Joint Operating Procedure
• Plot data into reports, including but not limited to:
  • Overlay of Mission Plan routes and vehicle location time history over satellite imagery
  • Summaries of groups of runs
  • Individual plots
  • Using different x-axis parameters (e.g. time, waypoint, etc.)
  • Full Mission plans and smaller route segments
• Provide initial analysis of runs with a stoplight chart (or other data representation format) of parameters against defined thresholds
• Provide initial investigation into identified issues in the mission plan and/or vehicle response
• Review & interpret mission plan files to develop appropriate test matrix for simulation runs
• Review results of mission plan assessments conducted using a hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) lab and/or the MQ-25 Training and Test Rehearsal Unit (TTRU) and account for findings as appropriate in 6DOF mission plan analysis
• Assess generated data to ensure proper simulation usage and outcomes that are appropriate for required test cases
• Develop and document knowledge of aircraft and GCS system, mission planning concepts, and relevant flight procedures
• Develop generalized, non-MQ-25 specific, requirements and/or task definitions for Omniview-based mission plan validation using an unmanned air platform 6DOF simulation
• Support other MQ-25 simulation-based activities to support Flight Dynamic's evaluation flight test capabilities and overall MQ-25 airworthiness

Typical Work Products: Tools and source code for generating simulation run data, analysis, and reporting; raw MODAVSIM time history data; reports of plotted time history data, including an assessment of specific parameters against defined thresholds; reports on key findings based on review of simulation data; briefings, white papers, and items of interest as required to the Flight Dynamics engineering team on project status or issues; project-related technical information used to resolve engineering problems and to clarify or understand mission planning requirements and other simulation analyses.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline and a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience
• Knowledge of aerodynamics and/or computer programming with experience or skillsets in one or more of the following areas:
  • Computer programming
  • Physics-based simulations
  • Use of software-based data plotting and analysis tool(s) (e.g. MATLAB)
• Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Full-time access to an NMCI RDT&E computer system with the following software packages:
  • MATLAB
  • Microsoft Office
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Notepad++, or similar text editor
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to be a self-directed team player with proven ability to deliver tasks timely and efficiently
• Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with all levels of management
• High-level problem-solving and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a pilot, UAS operator, or mission planner
• Professional knowledge of aerodynamics, Unmanned Air System (UAS), 6DOF aircraft simulation, and/or mission planning, with experience or skillsets in one or more of the following areas:
  • MATLAB scripting and plotting
  • 6DOF aircraft simulations (will need to utilize MODAVSIM)
  • Flight dynamics and/or aircraft performance and associated acceptable aircraft behavior for safe flight
  • CLAW design and analysis of aircraft
  • Contingency management for unmanned systems
  • Flight control systems redundancy management for fixed-wing and/or rotary-wing aircraft
• Experience with UAS waypoint-based mission planning

Pay

Target salary range: $80,000 - $128,000. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Health savings account
• Short/long term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Parental leave
• 401(k)
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation
• Company-paid holidays