Rotorcraft Flight-Dynamics Modeling and Simulation Engineer

AMA provides technical support to the U.S. Army’s Technology Development Directorate (TDD) at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. This work supports the development, application, and advancement of high-fidelity modeling and simulation tools used in Army rotorcraft acquisition programs, both Future Vertical Lift (FVL) and enduring fleet upgrades.

Advanced flight-dynamics modeling and analysis tools such as Gen Hel and HeliUM are used to predict the responses of Army rotorcraft under various configurations and flight conditions and are often used for real-time simulation with a pilot in the loop. While these are nonlinear physics-based component-type models, linear flight-dynamics models are also needed and are often developed using the CIFER (Comprehensive Identification from FrEquency Responses) software tool developed and maintained by the Army. CIFER processes multi-axes input and output data, either from specifically planned flight test campaigns or from high-fidelity comprehensive analysis, to generate linear models needed for the design and optimization of flight controls and autonomy algorithms for Army rotorcraft. Flight-dynamics models, both physics-based and identified, play a critical role in reducing technical risk and informing Army rotorcraft design and acquisition decisions for both future vertical lift and for enduring fleet upgrades.

The Flight-Dynamics Modeling and Simulation Engineer will support Army rotorcraft engineering efforts through the development, improvement, and application of flight-dynamics models for both enduring fleet and future vertical lift, including models needed for real-time piloted simulations on NASA’s Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS). Additionally, the position will support the development of flight-dynamics models for advanced and novel uncrewed rotorcraft configurations.

Work location will be at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

Pay for this position is approximately $125,000 - $160,000 per year, commensurate with experience, and includes a competitive benefits package.

Develop flight-dynamics models of modern vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft configurations, both crewed and uncrewed. Provide flight-dynamics modeling expertise to the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program office. Participate in FLRAA design reviews and keep abreast of flight-dynamics modeling needs for the FLRAA aircraft. Develop, update, and validate both generic and specific physics-based models of the FLRAA tiltrotor. Develop proficiency with the HeliUM comprehensive modeling tool. Update and enhance the capabilities of HeliUM as needed to generate high-order linear models for flight controls development and piloted simulation of advanced crewed and uncrewed vertical lift configurations. Lead an effort to develop a component-type model of the UH-60M based on an existing model of the UH-60A.  Assess and plan the necessary source code modifications and investigate considerations for the software development environment. Conduct applied research to enhance and validate advanced identification techniques within CIFER needed to accurately model configurations with multiple redundant effectors. Attend technical group meetings, branch meetings, design reviews, etc. and report project updates and activities. Communicate research results through technical presentations and written reports.

• MS + 3-5 years experience or PhD + 0-2 years experience  in Aerospace Engineering or related field required.

• Education or relevant experience in the following areas:

  • Rotorcraft flight-dynamics modeling using physics-based and/or identification-based approaches; rotorcraft real-time simulation; system identification for linear model development; MATLAB/Simulink.

  • Familiarity with component-type simulation models, such as Gen Hel or HeliUM, and system identification tools, such as CIFER, would be a plus.

• Experience in rotorcraft flight-dynamics modeling and analysis.

• Experience with flight dynamics modeling/identification tools (CIFER, HeliUM, Gen Hel) in an applied research setting.

This position requires U.S. Citizenship.