Research Scientist/engineer - Department Of Mechanical, Materials And Aerospace

Research Scientist/Engineer

The Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for a Research Scientist/Engineer in the general areas of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Orbital Dynamics, and Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Responsibilities include:

• Conduct research in GNC algorithm development, orbital dynamics, and sensor fusion for space domain awareness and space traffic management.
• Develop, evaluate, and validate models for tracking, characterizing, and predicting behavior of resident space objects.
• Stay current with SSA, autonomous space systems, and multi-sensor tracking advancements.
• Identify research sponsors and assist with proposal development.
• Apply modern estimation, system ID, machine learning, and probabilistic modeling methods.
• Oversee research facilities, computational resources, and student researchers.
• Prepare and present research progress reports.
• Present and publish research findings.

Qualifications: An advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline is required. Experience in orbital mechanics, estimation theory, sensor fusion, autonomous spacecraft navigation, nonlinear dynamics, and machine learning applications to SSA are highly desirable. Familiarity with tracking and catalog maintenance methods, space object characterization, simulation environments (e.g., STK, GMAT, Basilisk), and programming languages/tools such as Python, MATLAB, and C++ are preferred.

To apply for this position, visit careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities. Applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. Only candidates who submit complete documentation will be considered in the review process. For questions or additional information, contact Dr. Chris Griffin, email: cgriffin@mail.wvu.edu.