About this opportunity
AeroVironment, Inc. lists this Performance Analysis Engineer – Ground-based Missile Defense opportunity in huntsville, Alabama. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Job Description
Worker Type Regular Job Description AV is looking for a highly talented Performance Analysis Engineer to join our Huntsville, AL team. In this role you will support the analysis and assessment of Ground-based Missile Defense (GMD) systems in support of Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The successful candidate will perform mission and system performance analyses to evaluate weapon system effectiveness, engagement performance, and operational capability across a range of threat scenarios. This role requires expertise in MATLAB and Python and the ability to develop analytical tools, interpret complex simulation results, and communicate technical findings to engineering team, program leadership, and government stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain MATLAB, Python, and C++ analysis tools to support medium-fidelity modeling, simulation, and performance assessments of the Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) and Next Generation Interceptor (NGI).
Develop, execute, and analyze modeling and simulation (M&S) environments to evaluate interceptor performance across a variety of engagement scenarios and mission conditions.
Perform quick-response analysis in support of the In-Flight Interceptor Communication System Data Terminal (IDT), including kinematic battlespace assessments and other time-sensitive technical analyses.
Conduct interceptor performance analysis to evaluate system capabilities, identify performance trends and limitations, and support technical assessments and decision-making.
Support the development and enhancement of future interceptor analysis capabilities, methodologies, models, simulations, and analytical tools.
Analyze and interpret simulation results to assess system performance and provide technically sound conclusions and recommendations.
Develop and deliver technical briefings to communicate analysis methodologies, assumptions, results, and conclusions to engineering teams, program leadership, and government stakeholders.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to address emerging analysis needs and support current and future missile defense capabilities.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field
7+ years relevant experience
Active security clearance (SECRET or above) is required.
Demonstrated experience supporting MDA GMD Programs
Proficiency in MATLAB, including model development, data analysis, and visualization
Advanced Proficiency with Python, including scientific computing libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib
Experience evaluating missile defense (MD) engagement performance, interceptor effectiveness, mission performance, or system operational capability
Strong understanding of statistical analysis, numerical methods, optimization techniques, and simulation-based performance assessment
Experience interpreting simulation outputs and translating analytical findings into actionable engineering recommendations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting technical analyses to government customers and senior leadership.
Desired Qualifications
Experience supporting MDA Element or System-level performance assessments
Radar analysis experience
Strong analytical background
Self-starting technical problem solver
Experience integrating AI/MIL into analytical processes
ITAR Requirement
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
Benefits
AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.
For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:
We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.
Who We Are
Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.
What We Do
Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.
Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
ITAR About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. Careers at AeroVironment
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Worksite address
huntsville, AL, 35824, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.