Motion Simulator Washout Algorithms Expert

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. As NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States. 

We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time Motion Simulator Washout Algorithms Expert to join the JETSII Contract!

The Motion Simulator Washout Algorithms Expert is responsible for the research, design, development, validation, and optimization of advanced motion cueing and washout algorithms for high-fidelity motion simulation systems. The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader in the development of novel motion cueing methodologies that maximize motion realism while respecting physical limitations of motion platforms such as Stewart platforms, hexapod systems, cable-driven robots, and other parallel-actuated simulators.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop advanced motion cueing and washout algorithms for six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) motion simulators.
• Design adaptive, model-based, optimal, and nonlinear washout filters to improve simulator fidelity and user realism.
• Research human vestibular and motion perception characteristics to enhance simulator performance.
• Create mathematical models that reproduce translational and rotational motion cues within workspace constraints.
• Evaluate classical, optimal-control, machine learning, and hybrid approaches to motion cueing.
• Support development of washout filters for lunar, planetary, rover, lander, and spacecraft simulation systems.
• Develop dynamic models of motion platforms.
• Perform kinematic and dynamic analyses using matrix methods, Lie derivatives, quaternions, and dual quaternions.
• Design and implement advanced control systems for parallel manipulators and motion simulators.
• Conduct stability, robustness, and performance analysis of control architectures.
• Develop numerical methods for constrained, under-actuated, and over-actuated systems.
• Architect and develop simulation software for motion platform control and validation.
• Implement algorithms in C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, ROS, NASA Trick, or similar simulation environments.
• Develop real-time motion cueing software for hardware-in-the-loop test facilities.
• Create software tools for visualization, tuning, testing, and performance assessment.
• Support integration of simulator software with vehicle dynamics models.
• Perform frequency-domain and time-domain performance evaluations.
• Analyze subjective and objective metrics of motion realism.
• Develop validation methodologies correlating simulated motion with target vehicle dynamics.
• Support simulator acceptance testing and operational readiness reviews.

Requisition Qualifications:

• Typically, educational requirements are the equivalent of a BS with at least 20 years of experience.
• Ph.D. in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline and a minimum of (20) years of experience in applied mathematics.
  • Demonstrated experience developing advanced mathematical models for dynamic systems.
  • Experience with motion simulation, robotics, control systems, or vehicle dynamics.
  • Experience designing numerical algorithms and simulation software.
• Technical Knowledge:
  • Motion cueing and washout algorithm design.
  • Classical and modern control theory.
  • Optimization methods.
  • State-space modeling.
  • Dynamic systems analysis.
  • Parallel robot kinematics and dynamics.
  • Stewart platforms and hexapod motion systems.
  • Numerical methods and scientific computing.
  • Real-time simulation architectures.

• Software Skills:
  • Python
  • C++
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • ROS
  • NASA Trick
  • Linux/Unix environments
  • Mathematica
  • Scientific visualization tools

Requisition Preferences:

• Experience developing simulator washout filters for aerospace or spaceflight applications.
• Experience with NASA or commercial simulator programs.
• Experience with Stewart platforms, hexapods, or cable-driven parallel robots.
• Knowledge of dual quaternions, Lie derivatives, and advanced robotic motion representations.
• Experience developing controls for parallel actuated systems.
• Published research in dynamics, controls, simulation, robotics, or motion cueing.
• Familiarity with human-in-the-loop simulation and human factors evaluation.

 Why Join Our Team?

In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also ave:

• Excellent personal and professional career growth
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
• Much, much more!

For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit www.wehavespaceforyou.com

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

Essential Functions

Work Environment

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).

Equipment and Machines

Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).

Attendance

Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.

Other Essential Functions

Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

#JETS #JETSII

Compensation Details:

SME2

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:

09/03/2026 - Until Filled

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.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed,  marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.