AFSIM/KCAT Modeling and Simulation Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The  AFSIM/KCAT Modeling and Simulation Engineer for Department of the Air Force Studies and Analysis, will focus support by conducting and facilitating modeling, simulation and analysis (MS&A) efforts primarily in AFSIM and/or space control models such as KCAT, etc.  This role will work on additional activities associated with increasing SAF/SA’s space analysis capacity to help augment SAF/SA’s effort to bring higher fidelity space information into DAF mission and campaign analysis.  This position will also support the Secretariat Office of the Director, Department of the Air Force (DAF) Studies and Analysis (SAF/SA) in their role to lead DAF studies, analyses, and assessments across air, space, and cyberspace and be the DAF focal point for modeling, simulation, and analysis for Congress, Joint Staff, industry, academia, and allies and partners.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at the Pentagon with occasional visits to Aerospace locations in Crystal City, VA and Chantilly, VA.   

What You’ll Be Doing

• Conduct analysis using AFSIM and/or KCAT and be willing to learn other space control tools as needed
• Participate as part of the collective Government, Aerospace, and SETA team supporting the Analysis Operations (SAF/SAO) Directorate
• Ensures customer’s MS&A efforts capturing USAF and USSF warfighter capabilities across the DAF have accurate space representation
• Routinely collaborates across the USSF ensuring accurate and cross-organizational consistency of MS&A representation of space effects (at all security classification levels to include the program level)
• Leverages Aerospace’s space expertise to improve model capabilities relevant to the joint warfighter
• Supports mission and campaign scenario build outs and works with other members of the SAF/SA team to support all domain analysis providing insight on DAF acquisition decisions and Program Objective Force (POM) recommendations
• Contribute to Aerospace efforts to bring in appropriate Aerospace tools to the customer’s spaces (e.g. KCAT, GRIPS, etc.) on the appropriate customer operated systems, and work with other program/ETG offices to keep models current and address model issues resulting from supporting customer analysis needs
• The selected candidate must work optimally in an onsite environment with the customer and be able to work with senior Government leaders, contractors, other government agencies, various Aerospace program offices, and the Aerospace Engineering and Technical Group (ETG) to address issues and provide the customer with the best available technical and programmatic analyses.

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer - Modeling and Simulation Engineering:

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in operations research, engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, or other technical discipline

• 8 or more years of responsible professional operations research/engineering/scientific experience
• AFSIM expertise
• Coding expertise (Python, C++, etc)
• Possess outstanding interpersonal skills and must be adept at oral and written communication
• Proven track record to work effectively with senior government, military personnel, FFRDC, and SETA contractors
• Willing to travel up to 15%
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and special access programs, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Sr. Project Engineer - Modeling and Simulation Engineering:

• Master’s or higher degree in operations research, engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, or other technical discipline

• 12 or more years of coding and professional operations research/engineering/scientific experience
• Highly adept at collecting and integrating data inputs required for MS&A efforts
• Lead MS&A projects, to include planning and execution activities
• Anticipate customer analysis needs and proactively work in advance of formal tasking

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in operations research or computer science
• KCAT experience
• Familiarity with space control M&S tools
• Directed multi-disciplinary teams across departments to achieve strategic goals, ensuring seamless collaboration and timely project deliverables
• Experience supporting USSF, NRO, or USAF customers
• Experience with and/or working knowledge of the Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) span of technical capabilities and organization construct
• A current and active TS/SCI with SAP accesses security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.