We have an exciting opportunity for a
Terrain Relative Navigation Engineerto join our ESSCA contract team at
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. If selected you will: - 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.
Qualifications:This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.
- Must be a US Citizen and have a STAR IC.
- Bachelor's degree in Aeronautics & Astronautics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field from an ABET-accredited institution (Master's or PhD preferred).
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications: - 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.
Benefits - Competitive pay
- Positive work-life balance
- 100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability
- 11 paid holidays annually
- Generous PTO
- 401k after 12 months of service with employer match
- Education assistance
- Relocation assistance (if applicable)
Mclaurin is a unique organization with a special focus on combining the best features of research and industry in order to foster innovation. Our organization strongly supports research, publication, and engagement with the academic community. We encourage our employees to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in their respective disciplines.
US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required. 
