Rotorcraft Flight Dynamics Modeling and Simulation Engineer (Early to Mid Career)

Location: Redstone Arsenal, AL

Department: Aviation & Applied CFD

Job Description:

The Rotorcraft Flight Dynamics Modeling and Simulation Engineer will support Army rotorcraft engineering efforts through the development, improvement, and application of flight-dynamics models for both legacy fleet and future vertical lift, including models needed for real-time piloted simulations.  Additionally, the position will support the development of flight-dynamics models for simulation of advanced and novel vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft configurations, both manned and unmanned.

Advanced flight-dynamics modeling and analysis tools such as Gen Hel, FORECAST, and HeliUM are used to predict the responses of Army rotorcraft under various configurations and flight conditions, including real-time simulation with a pilot in the loop. They are also used to generate high-order linear models that are needed to design and optimize both flight controls and autonomy algorithms for Army rotorcraft.

Responsibilities

• Develop effective working relationships and collaborate with Army engineers and managers
• Perform flight dynamics modeling and simulation of modern vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft configurations, both manned and unmanned.
• 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, validate both generic and specific physics-based models of the FLRAA tiltrotor.
• Develop proficiency with the HeliUM comprehensive modeling tool.  Update HeliUM as need to generate reduced-order real-time aerodynamics simulation models for UAS.
• Develop and validate UH-60M flight dynamics simulation models to enhance existing capabilities by enabling the modeling and simulation of relevant rotorcraft configurations.  Assess and plan the necessary source code modifications and investigate considerations for the software development environment.
• Conduct applied research to develop and validate advanced identification techniques needed to accurately model configurations with multiple redundant effectors.  Validate and update models so that they can in-turn be used to more accurately predict further configuration changes.
• Attend technical group meetings, branch meetings, design reviews, etc. and report project updates and activities.
• Communicate research results through technical presentations and written reports.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (or a related field) from an accredited college or university
• Experience: Bachelor + 2 years, Master + 0 years, Ph.D. + 0 years
• 2 years or more experience in flight dynamics modeling
• Education or experience in the following areas: aerospace flight dynamics and control, aircraft simulation
• Skilled in MATLAB
• Strong analytical skills
• Must be able to travel up to 10% of the time
• U.S. Citizen
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance

Desired Qualifications:

• Masters or higher degree, specializing in mechanical dynamics or aerodynamics, especially as applied to rotorcraft
• Education and/or experience in rotorcraft flight dynamics modeling and simulation
• Familiarity with component-type simulation models such as Gen Hel or HeliUM
• Strong technical writing skills