The Aviation Systems Research Scientist is a member of an internationally recognized team conducting cutting-edge research on automating portions of the nation's air transportation system to conceptualize technologies for the air traffic control system targeted at the year 2025.  The incumbent will conduct research and real-time and fast-time simulation of multiple systems with either hardware in the loop or systems in the loop type of simulation using clustered/networked set of machines running this extensive simulation in collaboration with NASA researchers, outside researchers, air traffic controllers, air traffic managers, and contractors.  

Responsibilities:

Conduct research on modeling of 4D surface trajectory.  Develop and test taxi conformance monitoring/conflict detection and resolution algorithms.  Conduct research, development, and evaluation of advanced air traffic control automation concepts.  Use Linear and Nonlinear Control techniques for developing traffic flow management algorithms for the Next Generation Air Traffic System.  Use numerical algorithms and optimization techniques for improving capacity and reducing delays while meeting the capacity constraints.  Propose new automation concepts, help identify issues, and provide solution recommendations.  Work closely with other project engineers in identifying, evaluating and devising solutions to software and functionality issues.  Provide guidance and support for junior-level researchers.  Interact with customer (i.e., NASA) to develop and execute research plans, including requirements, design & development, schedules, milestones, deliverables, and satisfaction.  Deliver monthly progress report and metrics.  Publishes as first or second author in peer-reviewed journals.  Presents own research at seminars and conferences

Requirements:

Ph.D. in a related engineering field with demonstrated excellence in related research and development experience and a sustained record of academic publications.  Modeling and simulation of aircraft dynamics (both ground and air), trajectory prediction/synthesis, and signal processing/filer design.  Demonstrated professional experience in the following areas:  Aerospace engineering; Control Systems and System Dynamics; Linear and Nonlinear Control; Filtering and Estimation; Optimization and Optimal Control; Simulation and modeling of dynamic systems; Advanced background and experience in numerical analysis, algorithms and scientific computation; Advanced background and experience in dynamics, modeling and control as applied to multiple engineering domains; Directly related experience in air transportation system operations and dynamics, aircraft operations and dynamics, air traffic management, the air traffic control domain, and decision-support tool development and testing.  Prior experience in modeling and simulation of airport surface traffic is highly desirable.  

Special Condition of Employment:  In order to comply with security measures at the University Affiliated Research Center, selected candidates will be subject to a government background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for badged access to the NASA Ames facility.

The University of California (UC) provides exceptional benefits in addition to the special intellectual and cultural advantages of being a member of the UC Community. The University offers outstanding health and welfare benefits and programs for secure retirement that are considered to be among the finest in higher education.

To apply: Please submit a letter of interest and curriculum vitae to uarchr@ucsc.edu.

The University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) is a partnership between the University of California and NASA Ames. The Center, which is administered by the University of California, Santa Cruz, was established as a bold initiative designed to increase the safety, effectiveness, and scientific impact of NASA's missions through the infusion of new technologies and research. The University Affiliated Research Center's (UARC) mission is to perform strategic multi-disciplinary, integrative research and science that supports NASA's long term mission requirements.  The worksite location for this position is at NASA Ames in Mountain View, CA.