Principal GNC & Trajectory Analyst
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 24, 2026. First seen by Alion on May 18, 2026. Parsons scores B on the Alion truth index.
Job Description:
Parsons is looking for an amazingly talentedPrincipal GNC & Trajectory Analyst to join our team! In this role you will provide technical and advisory assistance to Targets Program Office by aiding in the refinement and implementation of Target trajectories in support of the agencies flight test events to validate the weapon and system sensors.
What You'll Be Doing:
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
What Required Skills You'll Bring:
Bachelor's degree and 20+ yearsworking on missile defense-related or other DoD programs/projects OR aMaster'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)
What Desired Skills You'll Bring:
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
Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.Salary Range: $112,200.00 - $196,400.00We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.