Guidance Navigation Control GNCFlight Dynamics Software Developer

We have an opening for a Guidance Navigation & Control GNC)/Flight Dynamics Software Developer in support of the Flight Performance Integration (FPI) program. FPI supports LLNL weapon system design and assessments with modeling and simulation utilizing custom inhouse computational codes. You will perform code development work focused on a Python modeling environment (library) to generate an integrated tool to interface with multiple engineering solvers and postprocessing applications. This will involve developing methods and tools to streamline the engineering workflow facilitate automation and provide dropin automated data extraction. This work prepares for a planned AI driven virtual design assistant. This position is in the Computational Engineering Division (CED) within the Engineering Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Contribute to and actively participate in the conception development implementation and documentation of new aerospace engineering analysis capabilities such as optimal control advanced 3DoF trajectory optimization 6DoF trajectory optimization and autopilot design software.
• Support concept trade studies and assist in deriving GN&C requirements for future systems.
• Collaborate with team members and contribute to the development of tools for managing CFD Trajectory Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other numerical modeling workflows including preprocessing postprocessing and data management as well as providing input recommending enhancements and solving problems of moderate complexity using creativity with established or innovative methods.
• Perform analysis on a variety of flight modeling related tools with an emphasis on assembling them to enable novel analysis at scale utilizing highperformance computing (HPC) resources.
• Deliver results to engage with and provide support to engineering and flight modeling analysts including debugging problems providing alternative solutions and enabling quick feature implementation.
• Document methods and implementation methodologies activities sequences and requirements in both informal and formal reports and presentations.
• Share relevant knowledge analysis and recommendations in collaboration with internal and external scientists engineers mathematicians and computer scientists through reviews and working groups including interfacing with other development teams working on tools that support analysis workflows.
• Balance multiple projects/tasks and priorities of customers and partners to ensure deadlines are met while working independently with limited direction within the scope of the assignment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level

• Independently determine technical objectives and criteria to satisfy project deliverables and execute the appropriate technical approaches.
• Solve abstract and complex problems as required using indepth analysis and drawing from advanced level technical knowledge best practices and both routine and innovative techniques and approaches to guide and ensure successful completion of project and organizational goals.
• Represent the organization as the primary technical contact by sharing relevant knowledge providing opinions and recommendations and exerting influence to fulfill deliverables as a team.
• Lead and mentor junior staff student fellows and summer student researchers.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Qlevel security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Masters degree in engineering computational science applied math physics or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge proficiency experience and demonstrated programming skills in Python C C FORTRAN or similar languages.
• Broad and comprehensive understanding of computational vehicle dynamics via 3DoF and/or 6DoF flight/reentry modeling including familiarity with aerodynamic performance coefficients.
• Proficient interpersonal written and verbal communication skills necessary to work and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and to present and explain technical information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to travel.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Advanced level knowledge and significant experience in computational modeling including significant experience in developing modeling & simulation tools for aerospace applications.
• Significant experience using one or more programming languages such as Python C/C FORTRAN or other object oriented programming (OOP) languages.
• Ability to independently develop and execute complex analyses and to prepare and finalize tailored reports.
• Advanced verbal and written communication presentation and interfacing skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management.

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD in engineering computational science applied math physics or related field.
• Experience conducting computational analysis in a multiphysics context and with software on massively parallel systems particularly in the areas of heat transfer fluid dynamics and/or structural mechanics.
• Experience in development of software in a versioncontrolled environment (e.g. git) including testing documentation and software user support.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g. torch/pytorch tensorflow jax) and models as well as training and finetuning models and one or more of the following: nonlinear programming and optimization uncertainty quantification Bayesian learning UI/UX design.

Additional Information :

#LIHybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules *depending on project needs)
• Our values visit  Clearance

  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Qlevel clearance.  If you are selected we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Qlevel clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Fulltime