Overview:

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry. GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.   

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do: 

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Project/Unit Description

The Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory (SEAL) at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is seeking engineers and scientists with expertise in aerospace applications. The role involves applying advanced algorithms to address complex challenges in orbital mechanics, spacecraft reachability, and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC). Candidates should have a strong background in aerospace dynamics, sensor fusion, and optimal control, with a focus on designing, analyzing, optimizing, and implementing algorithms for Space Domain Awareness (SDA). This position bridges the gap between theoretical algorithm development and practical application, emphasizing experimentation, software/hardware integration, and system performance evaluation.

Job Purpose

The Algorithm & Analysis Engineer is responsible for the development and support of state-of-the-art algorithms involving data fusion, sensor fusion, machine learning, manned/unmanned avionics improvement programs, and genetic programming. The Algorithm & Analysis Engineer focuses on the design, analysis, software/hardware implementation, optimization, profiling, and experimental evaluation of computer algorithms, bridging the gap between algorithm theory and practical applications of algorithms in software engineering. Additionally, the Algorithm & Analysis Engineer conducts statistical analysis of multi-modal and time-varying data to characterize and quantify system qualities and deficiencies, resulting in recommendations and development of improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform data cleaning and fundamental data analysis, with guidance only as needed, generating new tools with significant reusability.
• Design and execute algorithm tests with limited oversight.
• Serve in a leading role in algorithm design discussions for defined portions of programs.
• Design larger portions of algorithms and testing with minimal oversight.
• Lead sections of technical report execution.
• Lead discussions with sponsors for large portions of research.
• Work with independence at sponsor sites under guidance of technical leads.
• Materially contribute to discussions for technical journal articles and conference presentations.
• Conduct literature searches related to research focus areas.
• Mentor student researchers and facilitate their technical development and tasking.

Additional Responsibilities

• Develop cutting-edge algorithms for orbital maneuvering, trajectory optimization, reachability analysis, and sensor fusion.
• Evaluate the performance of spacecraft systems (MDA, USSF) and quantify capabilities in aerospace dynamics.
• Prepare insightful technical assessments for sponsor engagements, presenting system design improvements and performance analysis.
• Contribute to advancements in Space Domain Awareness (SDA), through thought leadership.
• Serve in an advisory capacity, offering subject-matter expertise to Government programs.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Significant experience in aerospace applications, with a focus on orbital mechanics and aerospace dynamics.
• Experience in tracking and algorithm development for space systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance.
• Broad knowledge of radar systems and Space Domain Awareness.
• Experience analyzing complex test data sets and developing insightful assessments for Government program managers.

Travel Requirements

<10% travel

Education and Length of Experience

Levels 3, 4

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related degree.
• 3 years of related experience with a Masters’ degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related degree.
• 0 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related degree.

U.S. Citizenship Requirements

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

Clearance Type Required

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Benefits at GTRI

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (“USG”) and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual’s race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.