Flight Test Analyst - Meteorologist

Flight Test Support Analyst - Meteorologist
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Job Status: Full Time
Clearance: Secret Clearance

Make a Real Difference - Astrion is seeking an intermediate level Meteorologist - Test Support Analyst to support Flight Test mission engineering and execution for the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Directorate of Test (DT). At Astrion, we are at the forefront of new missile defense technologies and engaged with the MDA's rigorous operational and developmental testing. This exciting, rewarding work helps guarantee the security of the United States and our Allies. Join a professional team of highly qualified engineers, analysts, scientists and technicians supporting the research, development, testing and evaluation of the missile defense system whose purpose is to detect, track, engage and destroy adversary missiles.

Your typical day - Our MDA engineers work in modern, well-appointed government facilities on Redstone Arsenal located in Huntsville, Alabama. Huntsville is the hub of missile and space operations, research and development. You will collaborate with other missile defense experts - military, government civilians, and contractors from Astrion and other companies. Our team of experts supports the Government manage planning, development, analysis and delivery of state-of-the art sensors, weapons, communications, and command/control systems. You will be part of the team that conducts successful intercepts of target missiles by one of our Missile Defense System (MDS) weapon systems.

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field
• 7 years of recent relevant experience
• Eligibility to obtain at least a Secret security clearance
• In depth understanding of and ability to forecast and communicate weather reports and forecasts
• Experience working in a fast paced, professional environment with the ability to adjust/react to short notice requirements
• Proficient with the MS Office suite of tools
• Works as a member of team to solve test planning, integration, execution, and analysis problems
• Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time

Desired Experience

• Knowledge of the Missile Defense System (MDS) capability
• Knowledge of MDA test planning, processes and execution
• Self-motivated; possess strong oral and written communication skills, and have the ability to work effectively in a dynamic team environment
• Proficient with Windows-based PC software (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Teams)

The selected candidate will develop and deliver detailed checklists, test control structures, test operation schedules, test constraints, comprehensive weather forecasting and environmental analysis and executive-level briefings for missile defense flight tests.

Additionally, the selected candidate will aid in developing and maintaining documentation that directly reflects and impacts a Mission Test Director in support of missile flight tests. This will include setting up and directing weekly working groups and integrating complex test requirements into a structured framework, keeping senior leaders and the mission execution team aligned.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and deliver daily mission execution and mission-specific weather forecasts for missile flight tests, encompassing all phases from pre-launch to post-flight
• Produce and present executive briefings summarizing environmental conditions, mission risk factors and go/no-go criteria
• Monitor and forecast meteorological parameters to include:
  • Lightning activity and thunderstorm development
  • Surface and upper-level winds
  • Sea state and oceanic weather conditions across range and recovery areas
  • Cloud coverage and line-of-sight impacts for optical, radar and telemetry systems
  • Precipitation type and intensity
  • Space weather effects to include solar activity and geomagnetic disturbances
• Develop, update and maintain the following mission documents:
  • Mission Execution Calendar
  • Critical Events Timeline
  • Test Information Sheet
  • Test Constraints Document
  • Mission Test Director Checklist
  • Go/No Go Summaries
  • Key Participant List
  • Mission Execution Seating Chart
  • Test Control Structure
• Setup and direct weekly mission execution team working groups
• Coordinate closely with range safety, mission test directors and flight test leadership to provide real-time updates and recommendations during a live flight test
• Analyze historical weather data to support test planning and risk mitigation strategies
• Provide decision support tools and visualizations to assist leadership in assessing mission viability
• Contribute to after-action reviews and post-test assessments to improve forecasting accuracy and operational procedures