Modeling & Simulation Software 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 Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Vehicle Engineering & Integration Department (VEID) is part of VSD, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within the Aerospace Corporation. The Vehicle Modeling and Analysis Section within VEID is responsible for implementing multi-disciplinary analytical models and developing software tools required to execute the desired analyses with respect to satellite, ground, and launch vehicle development and operations. We are seeking a Modeling & Simulation Software Engineer (Engineering Specialist – Modeling & Simulation and Systems Software Engineering) who has outstanding technical and programming skills, an understanding of physics/physical hardware systems, is inquisitive and motivated to learn, and has uncompromising integrity and objectivity.

Work Model

This is a full-time position on-site position based in Chantilly, VA with some consideration given to the El Segundo, CA, location for strong candidates.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop advanced, high-performance, production-quality modeling and simulation (M&S) software to help support challenging problems posed by Aerospace’s customers

• Develop and modify algorithms to enhance simulation capabilities to support studies for future satellite systems and architectures and interface with flight and flight-like satellite hardware, software, and system emulators to enable modular spacecraft HIL/SIL testing

• Port scientific, engineering, and physics-based modeling code, calculations, and algorithms from technical documents, Matlab, Python, and Excel to Java based software and interface legacy C, C++, and Fortran codes together into tool chains or distributed simulation frameworks

• Maintain and enhance Java-based distributed simulation frameworks with multi-threaded architectures and develop new distributed simulation federates, pre- and post-simulation data processing, and visualization tools

• Support and/or perform analysis using software developed within VMAS to answer questions about future satellite systems and architectures

• Participate and collaborate with other developers in full software development life cycle activities including design, implementation, and maintenance activities and assist in the creation of technical documentation and user guides

• Participate in cross-disciplinary teams to solve complex and challenging problems and may need to help guide, advise, instruct, and mentor staff with expertise in non-software fields and little to no software engineering background

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited program in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other engineering discipline

• 6 years of experience in a software engineering role

• Experience in Java with Object-Oriented design and development skill and knowledge of multi-threaded, multi-processor networked and distributed systems and architectures

• Experience with Hardware-Software interfaces, embedded software / embedded system development, and/or robotic systems

• Experience developing physics-based vehicle or sub-system level simulations including component simulation/emulation as well as physics, dynamics, orbital mechanics simulation.

• Basic knowledge of space systems including spacecraft subsystems and interactions (GN&C, CDH/flight computer, power systems, comms, payloads, etc.)

• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn Python, C, C++, FORTRAN, and/or Matlab to extract or port critical code, as well as JSON and XML files often used for data exchange and API definitions

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Dual degree or major and minor in mechanical, aerospace, physics or related field and a software or computer engineering field

• Strong knowledge of military or space systems such as sensors and payloads, guidance navigation and control (GNC), communications systems, or orbital mechanics.

• Experience with NI or other automated hardware-in-the-loop test equipment such as PXIs, DAQs, ATEs, etc.

• Experience working with flight hardware, flight software, or equivalent from other industries

• Knowledge of HLA, DIS, TENA, or other distributed simulation frameworks, and communications frameworks such as ActiveMQ, DDS, and Kafka.

• Experience with graphics and presentation API’s such as Dash, Worldwind, Cesium, OpenGL.

• Strong background in Python, C, C++, Swing, AWT, or JavaFX

• Active TS/SCI security clearance w/CI Poly

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.