Senior Aerospace Engineer - Flight Mechanics

Arcfield was purpose-built to protect the nation and its allies through innovations in digital transformation, space mission engineering and launch assurance, miniaturized sensors and satellites, advanced modeling and simulation, cybersecurity, and conventional and hypersonic missile support. Headquartered in Chantilly, VA with 16 global offices, Arcfield employs more than 1,500 engineers, analysts, IT specialists, and other professionals with more than 60 years of collective proven experience supporting missions in cyber and space defense, space exploration, hypersonic and nuclear deterrence and warfighter readiness. Visit arcfield.com for more details.

Do you want to be part of a proven team working on the next generation of space launch vehicles providing access to space? If yes, then this is an excellent opportunity to utilize your strong mathematical and programming skills to perform launch vehicle Flight Mechanics analysis in support of National Security Space (NSS) missions for the U.S. Government. Join a team of highly skilled Flight Mechanics analysts (rocket scientists!) performing Independent Validation and Verification (IV&V) tasks for classified payloads launching on SpaceX Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, ULA Vulcan, and other New Entrant launch vehicles and perhaps one day the SpaceX Starship launch vehicle. You will be performing computer simulations of the launch from generally Liftoff through payload separation.

Specific responsibilities for this position include, but not limited to:

• Develop required environmental and vehicle models and integrate them with flight software to perform nominal and Monte Carlo dispersed software guided launch vehicle trajectory simulations.
• Process the simulation data and perform Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) and trajectory/performance analyses to ensure compliance with mission design requirements.
• Interface with Launch Service Provider (LSP) personnel and resolve related technical issues in support of mission integration activities.
• Participate in related LSP technical reviews and support discipline analysis working group meetings.
• Document and present responsible IV&V activities and analyses.
• Provide technical support to the management as requested.

Required:

• 10-12 years years of applicable experience with a Bachelors of Science in an a related field, 8-10 with a Masters, 5-7 with a PhD
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance.
• Strong technical understanding in orbital mechanics, vehicle dynamics, GNC, aerodynamics, and rocket propulsion
• Excellent capability in model development, computer programming, and data analysis
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Familiar with C/C++, Fortran, Ada, and Matlab
• Working experience in launch vehicle analyses is preferred

We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.