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.
