New

GNC Trajectory Engineering Intern

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.
401(k)
United States, Alabama, Huntsville
Apr 23, 2026
Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. is seeking a GNC & Trajectory Engineering Intern in Huntsville, AL for summer 2026. You will support modeling, simulation, and analysis activities related to missile defense target vehicles and flight test events. This internship introduces you to vehicle dynamics, guidance and control concepts, trajectory modeling, and flight test analysis while working with experienced engineers in the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) ecosystem. You will gain hands-on exposure to 3-DoF and 6-DoF modeling, system performance assessment, coordinate frames, trajectory reconstruction, and data analysis. You will also learn how GNC concepts are applied in real-world missile defense scenarios, supporting engineering teams responsible for designing and evaluating test vehicles. Responsibilities Assist with basic modeling and simulation tasks for missile target vehicle trajectories Support development and analysis of 3-DoF and 6-DoF trajectory models using tools such as MATLAB or Python Help process, visualize, and interpret flight test and simulation data Learn to work with engineering coordinate systems, vehicle dynamics, and guidance, navigation, and control fundamentals Support generation of trajectory plots, performance summaries, and technical artifacts for engineering reviews Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams working on test vehicle design and performance assessment Contribute to model validation efforts and simple analysis supporting trajectory reconstruction Assist with research into missile characteristics (kinematics, signatures, behaviors) to support engineering tasks Qualifications Pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or another STEM field Academic exposure to dynamics, controls, orbital mechanics, or flight mechanics Familiarity with MATLAB, Python or Fortran through coursework or projects Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail Ability to communicate technical concepts and work as part of a collaborative engineering team GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred Desired Skills Coursework or project experience in Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Coursework or exposure to Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Familiarity with trajectory analysis or orbital mechanics Exposure to tools such as MATLAB, Python, Fortran, C++ Interest in missile defense, flight test analysis, or systems engineering Basic understanding of kinematics, coordinate frames, or aerodynamics concepts Clearance Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. U.S. Citizenship is required for this position. Interesting Work: Our co-workers support some of the most important and critical programs to our national defense and security. Values: Our first core value is that employees come first. We challenge our co-workers to provide the highest level of support and service, and reward them with some of the best benefits in the industry. 100% Employee Owned: We have a stake in each other's success, and the success of our customers. It's also nice to know what's going on across the company; we have company wide town-hall meetings three times a year. Great Benefits - Most Full-Time Staff Are Eligible for: Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/year Flexible schedules 6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annually Semi-annual bonus eligibility (July and December) Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement account Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement Other company funded benefits, like life and disability insurance Optional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan Track Record of Success: We have grown every year since our founding in 1993. Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employee-owned engineering services and solutions company that provides high-demand technical expertise in Digital Transformation, Modeling and Simulation, Rapid Capability Development, Test and Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Cybersecurity and Mission Assurance MTSI delivers capabilities to solve problems of global importance. Founded in 1993, MTSI today has employees at over 20 offices and field sites worldwide. For more information about MTSI, please visit www.mtsi-va.com MTSI embraces nine core values including our first core value of Employees come first. Consistent with our Core Values, we are committed to Equal Opportunity, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. MTSI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with physical and/or mental disabilities.