Terrain Relative Navigation Engineer (ES4)

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This position has been aligned with Amentum Space Exploration Division.  To learn more, click here

The Amentum Space Exploration Division (ASED) Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) team executes critical work for NASA’s SLS, HLS, Artemis, and related programs. We are seeking a Senior Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) Engineer to architect and lead high-fidelity image rendering, sensor modeling, and TRN simulation capabilities for lunar and planetary missions. This senior role drives the configuration and performance optimization of Terragen and Unreal Engine rendering pipelines for efficient in-the-loop GN&C simulation, advanced lighting map generation (Lunar DEMs and albedo maps), pre-rendered lighting techniques, and camera model fidelity. Deep experience in lidar-based TRN/HDA algorithm development, high-fidelity multi-sensor modeling, 6-DOF simulation frameworks, and navigation filter implementation is highly valued and will enable leadership across the full TRN and GN&C simulation lifecycle.
Job Functions Include

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Desired Skills

• 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.

Essential Functions

Work Environment: 

Office environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (5%).  Requires ability to work at a computer for long periods of time (100%).

Physical Requirements:

Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (80%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and our facilities (10%).  

Equipment and Machines: 

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).

Attendance: 

Normal workday 7:30-4:30, Monday thru Friday.  Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity, and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required. 

Other Essential Functions:

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required. 

#ESSCA #ASED #Amentum

Compensation Details:

ES4

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

• Educational reimbursement

• Parental leave

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tax-saving options

• Disability and life insurance

• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

09/08/2026 - 10/30/2026

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

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