Arcfield Overview:
Arcfield was purpose-built to relentlessly protect the nation and its allies from today’s national security threats. We have nearly 70 years of proven expertise and excel in space superiority, hypersonic defense and nuclear deterrence, digital transformation, and surface and undersea warfare domains. Our solution areas include space mission engineering, atmospheric science, digital engineering, mission assurance, and advances in modeling and simulation that together with our enterprise-wide adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning, lead to better systems and timely, reliable decision-making. Headquartered in Chantilly, VA with 18 North American offices, Arcfield employs 2,200 engineers, scientists, analysts, IT specialists and other professionals who challenge the status quo to deliver an efficient technological advantage to our national security and defense partners.
Responsibilities:
Do you want to be part of a proven team working on the next generation of 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 Launch (NSSL) missions for the U.S. Government.
Arcfield is seeking an Aerospace Engineer - Flight Mechanics to join our 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 generally from liftoff through payload separation.
Specific responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:
- Develop and maintain 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.
- Integrate in-house simulation tools with Launch Service Provider (LSP) production flight software for high fidelity GNC/trajectory performance simulations.
- Interface with 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.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance.
- A Bachelor's degree plus 5-7 years of experience, a Master's degree plus 3-5 years of experience, or a Ph.D. plus 0-2 years of experience. STEM degree preferred.
- 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 and Matlab
Desired:
- Working experience in launch vehicle analyses is preferred
EEO Statement:
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.