Terrain Relative Navigation Engineer - R0169789 Job

The Amentum Space Exploration Division (ASED), a primary contractor for NASA since 1989, is comprised of 10 companies and is located at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL.
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Your growth matters to us—that’s why we offer a variety of ways for you to develop your career. With professional and leadership development opportunities like Team Lead Academy, education reimbursement, mentoring, and company sponsored networking events, you can take control of your own career path on your own terms with a company that believes in you.
A Place Where You Belong
At the Amentum Space Exploration Division, people are at the heart of our business. We reflect a diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. We expect our people, clients, and partners to treat one another with dignity and respect. This means promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity, and appreciating the differences we all bring to our workplace.
Support Your Well-Being
Our comprehensive benefits package includes wellness programs, 11 paid holidays, parental leave, paid time off, employee perks and much more. With these benefits, plus the option for flexible schedules and possible remote a few days a week (depending on customer requirements) we’ll support you as you pursue a balanced, fulfilling life—at work and at home.

Position Description:
The Amentum Space Exploration Division (ASED) Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) team executes critical work for NASA’s SLS, HLS, Artemis, and related programs. We are seeking a Senior Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) Engineer to architect and lead high-fidelity image rendering, sensor modeling, and TRN simulation capabilities for lunar and planetary missions. This senior role drives the configuration and performance optimization of Terragen and Unreal Engine rendering pipelines for efficient in-the-loop GN&C simulation, advanced lighting map generation (Lunar DEMs and albedo maps), pre-rendered lighting techniques, and camera model fidelity. Deep experience in lidar-based TRN/HDA algorithm development, high-fidelity multi-sensor modeling, 6-DOF simulation frameworks, and navigation filter implementation is highly valued and will enable leadership across the full TRN and GN&C simulation lifecycle.

Job Functions Include
• Architect and lead improvements to the TRN camera image rendering and simulation pipeline (Terragen / Unreal Engine).
• Design, configure, and optimize rendering pipelines for high-efficiency in-the-loop GN&C simulation; oversee lighting map generation and pre-rendered lighting strategies.
• Provide technical leadership on high-fidelity lidar, laser altimeter, IMU, and star tracker sensor modeling and on lidar-based TRN / HDA algorithm development, analysis, and validation (including motion-compensated terrain scans and CONOPs trades).
• Lead 6-DOF simulation framework development, Monte Carlo analysis, navigation filter implementation, and GN&C/flight software integration.
• Guide software development and optimization (Python, C/C++, MATLAB/Simulink); mentor junior engineers.
• Direct verification, validation, independent technical assessments, documentation, and high-level briefings.
• Interface with GN&C leads, NASA stakeholders, and multi-discipline teams.

A degree in Aeronautics & Astronautics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field is required. A degree from an ABET-accredited institution is preferred. An MS or PhD is desired.
• Significant, demonstrated experience leading or contributing to Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), lidar-based TRN, optical navigation, and/or HDA systems, including modeling of motion-compensated lidar scans and algorithm iteration.
• Extensive experience developing high-fidelity sensor models (lidar, laser altimeter, IMU, star tracker) and integrating them into 6-DOF simulation environments for lunar lander applications.
• Expert-level proficiency in Python, C/C++, and MATLAB/Simulink; strong background in software & simulation integration and modeling & simulation.
• Proven track record supporting flight-critical lunar lander GN&C development (CLPS, HLS, or equivalent), including Monte Carlo analysis and navigation filter work.

Desired Skills
• Publications on lidar-based Terrain Relative Navigation or visual odometry.
• Experience with Terragen, Unreal Engine, GIS products, Lunar DEMs, albedo maps, lighting models, and camera simulation pipelines.
• Advanced navigation filter design (EKF, SDINS, multi-body gravity, state-replacement architectures).
• Leadership in integrated customer/contractor teams, technical mentoring, and delivery of conference-quality technical products.
• Linux, Git, excellent communication, and a demonstrated ability to rapidly master and apply advanced GN&C concepts.

Star ID will be required to obtain access to MSFC.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.
We are a background screening, drug-free workplace.
ASED offers a partnership in which you can grow personally and professionally within a framework of strong leadership, competitive compensation, and rewarding career paths. Come join our team on the Engineering Services and Science Capability Augmentation (ESSCA) contract whose work is destined to have a long-range effect on future generations!
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To review career opportunities and to submit your resume for Amentum Space Exploration Division in Huntsville, AL, visit https://ased.space/.
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