Senior Mach-TB Mission Engineer

SAIC is seeking a highly motivated Sr. Engineer to serve as an Analysis Lead for the Mach-TB Program Office. This individual will help lead pre- and post-mission analysis activities, overseeing on-site processing of telemetry (TM) data related to the MACH-TB program. This role involves the generation of Best Estimate Trajectory (BET) and Quick-Look Brief (QLB) data products by processing Launch Vehicle (LV) and MACH-TB “owned” Test Vehicle telemetry data. Critical oversight ensures decrypted TM links and other telemetry data are utilized for precise trajectory and performance analysis. The candidate must demonstrate expertise working with navigation solutions, telemetry format interpretation, and real-time GN&C (Guidance, Navigation & Control) data processing in demanding aerospace or test environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Help lead end-to-end telemetry data processing efforts for the MACH-TB program, ensuring accurate and timely generation of BETs and QLBs.
• Oversee data handling, including the decryption (if necessary) and best source selection of telemetry data streams, as well as processing individual TM antenna recordings.
• Manage and operate TM rack equipment to receive decrypted telemetry links (data and clock) and IRIG-B timing signals from the Range or Vehicle provider.
• Process telemetry inputs to generate the following:
  • 6DOF navigation solutions for instrumented objects including:
    • GPS: Time, Position, Velocity.
    • IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) outputs: Time, delta angles, delta velocities, body-sensed accelerations, body orientation, and rates.
    • Blended GPS/IMU Navigation Solution (if available).
    • IMU-only Navigation Solution (if available).
    • Body-frame definitions.
• Analyze telemetry format documents and ensure adequate documentation/access to:
  • Word locations
  • Frame locations
  • Sync patterns
  • Data rates
  • Scale factors
  • Bias/offset factors
  • Engineering units
• Manage and validate data quality and integrity, ensuring a nominal trajectory file drives decrypted hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing.
• Analyze and interpret information from pre-launch through post-impact/loss-of-signal (LOS).
• Ensure timely delivery and communication of analysis results to stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements:

• Interim Secret Clearance required to start, with ability to obtain Top Secret Clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science) with 5 years’ experience or a Master’s Degree and 3 years’ experience.
• Experience in telemetry data analysis or a related GN&C field.
• Proficiency in handling the six degrees of freedom (6DOF) analysis and generation of navigation solutions.
• Strong expertise in interpreting telemetry format data and creating corresponding data products.
• Experience with decryption processes and handling decrypted telemetry stream data, CH10 format, and IRIG-B timing systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team in multidisciplinary environments to complete technically complex tasks under tight timelines.
• Ability to work on-site and coordinate with external stakeholders (e.g., Range or Vehicle providers).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in an engineering or technical field.
• Familiarity with mobile telemetry systems, HWIL/SIL testing, and high-fidelity simulations of aerospace systems.
• Experience in programming languages and data manipulation for telemetry applications (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar tools).

Key Competencies:

• Analytical Skills: Strong attention to detail and capability to analyze large and complex datasets in telemetry, GN&C, and navigation.
• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences, from engineers to non-technical stakeholders.
• Technical Problem Solving: Expertise in troubleshooting telemetry and data reliability issues.