Principal GNC & Trajectory Analyst

Responsibilities

• Support the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Targets program office with the development of missile defense target vehicles
• Assist the Targets System Engineering team in target design, analysis, and testing, including requirements development and modeling
• Utilize expertise in missile characteristics, kinematics, and signatures to support engineering activities and data product development
• Focus on Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC), Modeling and Simulation (M&S), and vehicle performance assessments
• Generate and analyze target vehicle 6-DoF and 3-DoF trajectory data using industry-standard and in-house tools
• Support flight test analysis and reporting by analyzing onboard instrumentation data and performing trajectory reconstruction
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop advanced analysis and engineering tools

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 20+ years of DoD/missile defense experience OR a Master's degree and 12+ years of DoD/missile defense experience
• Active DoD Secret security clearance and US Citizenship
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, equations of motion, vehicle dynamics, and GNC principles
• Extensive experience with missile trajectory analysis, including endo- and exo-atmospheric behaviors
• Knowledge of satellite orbital mechanics, ephemeris, orbit propagation, and maneuver planning
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, Java, and C#
• Skilled in using modeling and simulation tools such as TAOS and STK
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with MDA and/or DoD programs and processes
• Experience in CAD, Trajectory, Radar Cross Section (RCS) Signatures, or Optical Signatures
• Ability to communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance and flexible work schedules

About the Company

Parsons is a digitally enabled solutions provider focused on creating the future of the defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure markets. From Earth to outer space, we deliver tomorrow’s solutions today through an agile, innovative, and disruptive approach.