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Research Scientist/Engineer - Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering

West Virginia University · Morgantown, WV · 7 mo ago
EngineeringFull-time

About the role

The Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for a Research Scientist/Engineer in the general areas of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Orbital Dynamics, and Space Situational Awareness (SSA).

Responsibilities

  • Conduct research in GNC algorithm development, orbital dynamics, and sensor fusion for space domain awareness and space traffic management.
  • Develop, evaluate, and validate models for tracking, characterizing, and predicting behavior of resident space objects.
  • Stay current with SSA, autonomous space systems, and multi-sensor tracking advancements.
  • Identify research sponsors and assist with proposal development.
  • Apply modern estimation, system ID, machine learning, and probabilistic modeling methods.
  • Oversee research facilities, computational resources, and student researchers.
  • Prepare and present research progress reports.
  • Present and publish research findings.

Requirements

  • An advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline is required.
  • Experience in orbital mechanics, estimation theory, sensor fusion, autonomous spacecraft navigation, nonlinear dynamics, and machine learning applications to SSA are highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with tracking and catalog maintenance methods, space object characterization, simulation environments (e.g., STK, GMAT, Basilisk), and programming languages/tools such as Python, MATLAB, and C++ is preferred.

Qualifications

  • Strong background in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, computer science, or a closely related field.
  • Experience in orbital mechanics, estimation theory, sensor fusion, autonomous spacecraft navigation, nonlinear dynamics, and machine learning applications to SSA.
  • Familiarity with tracking and catalog maintenance methods, space object characterization, simulation environments (e.g., STK, GMAT, Basilisk), and programming languages/tools such as Python, MATLAB, and C++.

Skills

  • Expertise in modern estimation, system identification, machine learning, and probabilistic modeling methods.
  • Ability to develop, evaluate, and validate models for tracking, characterizing, and predicting behavior of resident space objects.
  • Knowledge of orbital mechanics, autonomous spacecraft navigation, and nonlinear dynamics.
  • Proficiency in programming languages/tools such as Python, MATLAB, and C++.
  • Experience in space object characterization and simulation environments (e.g., STK, GMAT, Basilisk).

Benefits

West Virginia University offers a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Core values include service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation.

Pay

Details on pay are not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

Details on schedule are not specified in the job posting.

Application

To apply for this position, visit https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities. Applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. Only candidates who submit complete documentation will be considered in the review process.

Contact

For questions or additional information, contact Dr. Chris Griffin, 304-293-3386, email: cgriffin@mail.wvu.edu. You may also visit the MAE website at https://www.mae.statler.wvu.edu.

About West Virginia University

West Virginia University is the State’s comprehensive Land Grant University with an enrollment of about 29,000 students and a R1 Carnegie Classification. Morgantown and its vicinity have a diverse population of about 62,000 residents and is ranked highly among the most livable small cities in the country. The community lies within a high technology corridor that also includes several federal research facilities, as well as industries active in shale gas operations. The city is readily accessible and within driving distance from Pittsburgh, PA and Washington, DC. For more information on WVU and Morgantown, see https://www.wvu.edu and http://www.morgantownwv.gov.

About West Virginia University

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

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