Terrain Relative Navigation Engineer

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you! We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration. We have an exciting opportunity for a Terrain Relative Navigation Engineer to 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. Mclaurin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.