Aerospace Engineer (Entry Systems)

Job Description:

AMA is accepting applications for an on-site Aerospace Engineer focusing on Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. Work will be in support of the Entry Systems and Vehicle Development Branch, part of the Entry Systems and Technology Division at NASA. The successful candidate will play an important role in the direct application of technologies and capabilities to analyze, design, develop, test, evaluate, manufacture, certify, and operate atmospheric Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) systems.

Responsibilities: NASA ARC is seeking GN&C support for entry systems projects, including:

• Development, implementation, and analysis of control algorithms for guided atmospheric entry vehicles

• Execution of Verification and Validation (V&V) activities for flight data and GN&C software

• Comprehensive data analysis of flight tests, simulations, and system performance

• Conducting flight dynamics assessments, including trajectory and aerodynamic stability analysis

• Providing technical consultation, technology transfer, and collaboration with commercial partners on entry system technologies

• Mentoring junior staff and interns on GN&C and flight dynamics-related projects

• Support for flight test operations and post-flight reconstruction

The annual rate for this position is $100,000-$125,000 based on experience and degree.

This position requires US citizenship

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Masters with 3-5 years of experience

• Proven experience in the development and implementation of control algorithms

• Strong background in flight dynamics, entry system dynamics, trajectories, and mission design

• Experience with Verification and Validation (V&V) of complex aerospace data and systems

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work independently and lead technical efforts

• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required due to project requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in guided entry vehicle control systems and architectures

• Hands-on experience with flight data analysis, post-flight reconstruction, and simulation correlation

• Proficiency with 6-DOF (Degree of Freedom) simulation environments and dynamic modeling tools

• Experience consulting or collaborating with commercial spaceflight partners

• Knowledge of hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and software-in-the-loop (SITL) testing methodologies

Nice to Have:

• Experience with specific trajectory and aerodynamic tools (e.g., POST2, etc.)

• Experience with planetary entry missions (Mars, lunar, or other destinations)

• Familiarity with NASA standards and processes for entry systems and flight software

• Background in uncertainty quantification (UQ) and Monte Carlo dispersion analysis

• Experience with commercial space vehicle development

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.