Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer

Description

SAIC is seeking an experienced Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer - Modeling & Simulation (M&S) to support Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL) activities for the Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile-Nuclear (SLCM-N) weapon system. In this role, the candidate will utilize advanced M&S techniques to assess weapon system performance, support system development, and contribute to Verification and Validation (V&V) efforts.

This role focuses on designing, executing, and assessing M&S efforts for subsystem- and system-level evaluations to ensure alignment with technical requirements and operational objectives. The selected individual will work closely with program stakeholders, engineers, and developers to refine M&S scenarios, validate models, and ensure relevant data is generated for V&V activities across the broader program lifecycle.

This position requires onsite support at NSWC Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a critical strategic defense program.

JOB RESPONSIBILITES:

Modeling & Simulation Design and Execution

• Advise and execute M&S activities leveraging Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL) methodologies to support weapon system performance assessments.
• Develop and adapt system-level and subsystem-level M&S scenarios to assess technical performance, system behaviors, and design compliance with requirements.
• Design M&S environments to simulate real-world operating conditions and predict performance outcomes during development and testing phases.
• Ensure M&S tools and frameworks support the Verification and Validation (V&V) of system requirements, system integration, and subsystem maturity.

Subsystem and System-Level Assessments

• Conduct M&S analyses to evaluate the performance of subsystems and integrated system architectures under various developmental and operational scenarios.
• Conduct trade studies and parametric analyses using M&S tools to assess alternatives and system design decisions.
• Use simulation data to verify design feasibility, identify potential deficiencies, and recommend design improvements.

Model Validation and Tool Assessment

• Ensure the validity, accuracy, and credibility of M&S tools by validating their underlying algorithms, inputs, and outputs.
• Work closely with stakeholders to confirm M&S environments accurately represent operational and technical constraints.
• Recommend upgrades or enhancements to existing M&S frameworks or tools to improve their ability to support integrated systems engineering activities.

Collaboration and Support of V&V Efforts

• Integrate M&S results with Verification and Validation (V&V) efforts to ensure requirements are verified and performance is validated for both system- and subsystem-level requirements.
• Collaborate with systems engineering, design, and test teams to ensure key data derived from M&S is incorporated into broader program deliverables, such as the Requirements Verification Compliance Matrix (RVCM) and system test plans.
• Provide M&S-derived insights during key milestone reviews, including the System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), and other program reviews.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Documentation

• Collaborate with government stakeholders, engineers, and industry partners to define system M&S requirements, scenarios, and performance goals.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports, briefings, and presentations summarizing M&S activities, findings, and recommendations to system stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff in developing and refining M&S models and tools, ensuring high-quality and technically sound simulations.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in systems engineering or M&S-related roles within the defense acquisition lifecycle.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and conducting Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) and/or Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL) activities, particularly in support of complex weapon system development.
• Experience supporting subsystem- and system-level M&S assessments, including performance analysis and design verifications.
• Knowledge and practical experience integrating M&S results with Verification and Validation (V&V) efforts.
• Hands-on experience with M&S and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS, STK, Python, or other tools relevant to HWIL/SWIL environments.
• Proficiency in developing and utilizing complex simulation frameworks to analyze performance across multiple scenarios.

Skills

• Strong understanding of M&S methodologies, including validation, verification, and real-world scenario representation.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to assess system-level behaviors and identify discrepancies or validation needs.
• Proficient at documenting and presenting M&S results to technical teams and stakeholders in clear, concise formats.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple M&S-related tasks simultaneously.

Clearance

• Active DoD Security Clearance (Secret or higher) is required.

PREFFERED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience supporting strategic missile systems, particularly submarine-launched platforms or similar defense programs.
• Familiarity with agencies such as NSWC Crane Division, OSD, or Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) conducting weapon system M&S activities.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition policies and guidelines, particularly relative to the TMRR phase (Milestone A to Milestone B).
• Certification: INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) or DAU/APDP certification in systems engineering.