Research Scientist/Sr. Research Scientist

Job Description

Based on the foundation of the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology, Virginia Tech launched the Virginia Tech National Security Institute in September 2021. With a presence in Blacksburg and the Washington, D.C., metro area, the institute aspires to be the nation's preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research, technology, policy, and talent development, the national security institute will advance national security in pursuit of a secure America.

This research and development position is based in Blacksburg, Virginia, and is part of the Institute’s Mission Systems Division (MSD). MSD brings together leading researchers from aerospace and ocean systems engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and other disciplines to address cutting-edge technological challenges across a range of platforms, including satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and drone swarms. These efforts encompass hardware development, algorithm design, sensor network integration, phenomenology analysis, and more.

Qualified candidates will have relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems engineering, modeling and simulation, or space mission analysis. The selected candidates can expect competitive salary and benefits within a dynamic university research environment. This pooled position seeks individuals with expertise in any of three critical technology areas to support a growing portfolio of space-related programs:

1) Astrodynamics and Orbit Determination, with a focus on satellite propagation, space situational awareness, orbital maneuver planning, and constellation management.
2) Modeling and Simulation of Space Systems, emphasizing the development of high-fidelity models for spacecraft dynamics, multi-body interactions, and space environmental effects such as atmospheric drag, solar radiation pressure, and higher order gravitational perturbations.
3) Spacecraft Mission Design and Systems Engineering, covering the entire lifecycle of space missions, from concept development and payload integration to mission planning, testing, and operations.

Successful candidates will have experience in the following areas:
• Orbital Mechanics and Perturbation Analysis:
o A strong understanding of Keplerian orbits, Newtonian physics, and gravitational
perturbations (e.g., J2 effects, third-body influences).
o Experience with orbital propagators, including Special Perturbations and Two-Line
Element (TLE) sets (leveraging SGP4), is highly desirable.
• Astrodynamics Software Tools:
o Proficiency in industry-standard astrodynamics tools such as GMAT, STK, and custom-
built solutions.
o Familiarity with numerical integration methods (e.g., Runge-Kutta, Adams-Bashforth) and
solving differential equations for accurate orbit propagation is essential.
• Satellite Mission Design:
o A comprehensive understanding of satellite systems engineering, including spacecraft
bus and payload integration, attitude determination and control systems (ADCS),
propulsion systems, and mission planning.
• Simulation and Optimization Techniques:
o Experience in developing models to simulate space missions and optimize trajectories,
transfer orbits, and station-keeping maneuvers. Familiarity with machine learning or AI-
based optimization techniques is an advantage
• Data Fusion and Orbit Determination:
o Proficiency in fusing data from diverse sources (e.g., radar, optical telescopes) to
enhance satellite tracking and space domain awareness.
o Knowledge of Kalman filtering and estimation methods for orbit determination is
preferred.
• Programming and Scripting for Space Simulations:
o A strong background in software development for space applications, with expertise in
languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++.
o Experience with parallel computing or distributed simulations is advantageous.
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE):
o Familiarity with MBSE methodologies for space systems and mission architecture
development, including proficiency in tools such as SysML or similar model-based
frameworks.

Candidates are expected to align with one of the primary research portfolios, though flexibility in project assignments allows for cross-disciplinary growth. Core responsibilities for all technical specializations include:

- Supporting the execution of university-sponsored research programs through advanced research and development;
- Authoring technical reports and publishing peer-reviewed academic papers;
- Assisting in the development of new research initiatives by participating in proposal teams and contributing to the business development activities of the Mission Systems Division;
- Providing mentorship and guidance to students and junior researchers engaged in program-related activities.

Required Qualifications

All candidates must have
• Doctorate degree Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or related discipline. Advance degree with significant professional experience in a related discipline may be considered in lieu of the doctorate degree.
• Given the nature of the research conducted and requirement from the federal sponsor, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience.
• Experience with conducting research and development.
• Proficiency with the tools germane to field of research.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing upon research projects.

For the ranks of Research Scientist:
• Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience.
• Experience with conducting research and development and providing research leadership to programs in these areas.

For the ranks of Senior Research Scientist:
• Experience serving as a principal investigator in a research and development environment and demonstrated leadership in developing and executing research programs.
• Substantial Evidence of excellence in research and development as demonstrated through prior work; appointments at the rank of senior research scientist require demonstrated excellence in the leadership of a portfolio of research and development programs.
• Significant experience with conducting research and development and providing research leadership to programs in these areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level
• Interest and/or experience in working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population
• Experience working in an academic environment
• Experience conducting research programs supporting the federal government.

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience, starting at $90,000

Review Date

January 2, 2025

Additional Information

Position may be located in either Blacksburg, VA or Arlington, VA.  Due to the nature of the Institute's work, candidates must be US citizens and have the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Candidate's background and experience will be considered when determining the hiring rank for this position.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Sue Kass at sjkass@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.