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Principal GNC and Trajectory Analyst

MTSIHuntsville, ALPosted May 20, 2026 · open 159 days

Last confirmed open Oct 26, 2026

Full-timePrincipalSecret

Before you apply

U.S. citizenship required
Only U.S. citizens can be hired for this role.
Secret clearance
An active clearance is required to start.
Bachelor's degree
The lowest degree the posting accepts.

MTSI is looking for a talented Principal GNC & Trajectory Analyst to join our team! In this role you will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MDA Targets Program Office by aiding in the refinement and implementation of Target trajectories in support of MDA’s flight test events to validate the weapon and system sensors.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Support the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Directorate for Test (DT) Targets program office with development of missile defense target vehicles
  • Support the Targets System Engineering team in all aspects of target design, analysis, and test to include requirements development and assessment, modeling and simulation, test analysis and reporting
  • Utilize knowledge, skills and experience with missile characteristics (physical, kinematics, signatures) and engineering to support engineering activities and data product development
  • Technical focus areas include 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 (e.g., TAOS) and in-house developed (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++) tools
  • Support flight test analysis and reporting to include analyzing vehicle onboard instrumentation data and generating trajectory reconstruction
  • Collaborate with a dynamic team of experts in multiple technical areas to develop analysis and engineering tools

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and 20+ years working on missile defense-related or other DoD programs/projects OR a Master's degree and 12+ years working on missile defense-related or other DoD programs/projects
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance, which requires US Citizenship
  • Strong understanding of principles of aerodynamics; equations of motion; coordinate systems; vehicle dynamics; guidance, navigation, and control; etc.
  • Experience with missile trajectory analysis to include working in different coordinate frames, endo- and exo-atmospheric behaviors, and identifying key trajectory parameters
  • Knowledge of satellite orbital mechanics, ephemeris, orbit propagation, perturbations, determination, and maneuver planning
  • Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, Java, C#, and other programming languages
  • Skilled in use of modeling and simulation tools (e.g., TAOS, STK)
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Desired Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with MDA and/or DoD programs and processes
  • Experience in any or all of the following disciplines: Design, CAD, Trajectory, Radar Cross Section (RCS) Signatures, Optical Signatures
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to efficiently perform multiple tasks
  • Ability to communicate detailed technical information to technical and non-technical personnel

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Job Details
Company
Location
Huntsville, AL
Type
Full-time
Level
Principal
Experience
20+ years
Posted
May 20, 2026
Required Skills
Guidance Navigation and ControlModeling and SimulationTrajectory Analysis6-DoF3-DoFTAOSMATLABPythonJavaC#STKAerodynamicsEquations of MotionCoordinate SystemsVehicle Dynamics
Preferred Skills
MDA ProgramsDoD ProgramsDesignCADRadar Cross Section SignaturesOptical Signatures

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