Research Engineer in Dynamics and Control

Key Skills

Analytical and Problem solving, Design, Effective communication skills, MATLAB Programming, Optimization, Simulink, Teamwork

Job Description

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate eager to apply and extend the state of the art of modeling and control of Power, Propulsion and Thermal Management Systems (PPTMS). The candidate is expected to work on transitioning novel concepts from early technology stages to a state that impacts and influences businesses and applications. The responsibilities include:

• designing and developing novel control solutions for PPTMS systems in aerospace and defense applications including, but not limited to, jet engines, missiles, autonomous vehicles and systems, hypersonic vehicles, advanced manufacturing, and space systems;
• leading and supporting externally and internally sponsored programs, writing external and internal research proposals;
• building relationships to support developing business relationships with industry, academia, and government agencies;
• disseminating research results through reports, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed articles, and developing intellectual property.

The preferred candidate will have a strong understanding of science and engineering principles and a record of innovation as evidenced by patent applications, a track record of writing proposals for government funded research programs, and/or high-quality journal and conference publications. The candidate must be self-motivated, and must have excellent written/verbal communication and strong problem-solving skills. US Citizenship is required and active clearance is a plus.

Experience/Qualifications

The successful candidate will have:

• Strong background and understanding of physical system modeling and model reduction to obtain tractable control-oriented models. Experience includes modeling of one or more of: air cycles, vapor compression cycles, pumped loops, two-phase flow and heat transfer, and other PPTMS elements with an emphasis on dynamic behavior and control.
• Extensive experience with combination of model-based control laws, including:
• optimization-based control design from formulating the problem to implementation in software, and preferably Hardware-in-the-Loop validation
• multivariable control and estimation (including optimal and robust control)
• system-level control integration, such as supervisory control, cascade control, and reference governors
• U.S. Citizen is required.

The candidate will have solid skills in a combination of the following areas:

• Modern multivariable control and estimation
• Model Predictive/Optimization based Control
• Control-Oriented Modeling of physical systems, including PPTMS
• Hybrid dynamical systems, discrete event systems
• MATLAB/Simulink
• Modelica/Dymola and Functional Mockup Interface (FMI)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with one or more of these is desirable:

• Application experience in one or more of the following:
• gas turbine engine modeling and control;
• vehicle-level dynamics and controls integration;
• hypersonic propulsion;
• electric or hybrid-electric propulsion;
• power systems
• Experience with writing proposals for Gov’t funded research, record of grants
• Real-time control prototyping and Software/Hardware-in-the-Loop testing (Speedgoat, dSPACE, LabView/NI DAQ)
• Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE)
• Control co-design, including nested optimization
• Machine learning for control, including reinforcement learning
• Experimental system identification
• US Security Clearance or willingness to obtain and maintain one is preferred for this position.

Additional Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills with track record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation and initiative
• Clear and effective communication with all levels of management, business development, researchers and customers
• Ability to focus on results in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment
• Ability to work independently with limited direction and in multidisciplinary environment to accomplish project goals
• The preferred candidate will look at open-ended tough problems as an opportunity to innovate and develop novel solutions