Senior Space Vehicle Simulation Developer with Security Clearance

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. Job Summary 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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The Vehicle Modeling and Simulation (VMAS) Section, sits within the Vehicle Engineering and Integration Department (VE I D) within VSD . VMAS is responsible for implementing multi-disciplinary analytical models and developing distributed simulation software tools required to execute the desired analyses with respect to satellite, ground, and launch vehicle development and operations. Our team is seeking a Senior Space Vehicle Simulation Developer ( 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 based in Chantilly, VA, offering a hybrid work model that combines ( 3-4) days per week of regular onsite workdays with remote flexibility as the business needs allow. What You'll Be Doing * Support the build-up and application of distributed modeling and simulation software capabilities for civil and DOD government customers across the space industry
* Support multiple distributed simulation projects ranging from the development of space vehicle digital twin modeling and simulation capabilities to space architecture MODSIM
* 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
* Work with Vehicle Systems Division and other Aerospace subject matter experts to develop multi-disciplinary mod/sim capabilities and ensure new simulation capabilities fit within a larger, modular, distributed mod/sim environment. This may include translating algorithmic descriptions, refactoring legacy code, and more
* Additional opportunities may include development and integration of hardware- and software-in-the-loop testing capabilities with the group's main mod/sim capabilities to enhance both emulation and testing fidelity
* Support and perform execut ion of mod/sim code and prepare visualizations and presentations to customer stakeholders What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for the Modeling and Simulation Software Engineer (Engineering Specialist - Modeling & Simulation and Systems Software Engineering) role: * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics, or an Engineering discipline with experience in software engineering and development of technical and scientific software is required * A minimum of (8) years of experience in a Software Engineering role is required * Experience in Java with strong Object-Oriented design and development skill and knowledge of multithreaded, multi-processor, networked and distributed systems and architectures
* Strong knowledge of HLA, DIS, TENA, or other distributed simulation frameworks, and communications frameworks such as ActiveMQ, DDS, and Kafka * Practical knowledge and a willingness for continued learning with: C, C++, FORTRAN and MATLAB to extract or port critical code, experience with publish-subscribe architectures, Python and JSON and XML files often used for data exchange and API definitions is required
* Experience developing physics-based vehicle or sub-system level simulations including component simulation/emulation as well as physics, dynamics, orbital mechanics simulation
* Strong knowledge of space systems including spacecraft subsystems and interactions (GN&C, CDH/flight computer, power systems, comms, payloads, etc.) is a key requirement for this role * Sound communication skills with an ability to explain software engineering processes, activities, architectures and designs, technologies, and operations to staff and customers with limited software engineering background
* This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. 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: * Advanced degree in mechanical, aerospace, physics or related field and a software or computer engineering field is strongly preferred
* (12) or more years of experience in modeling and simulation software development is preferred
* Experience developing physics-based vehicle or sub-system level simulations including component simulation/emulation as well as physics, dynamics, orbital mechanics simulation
* Experience with hardware and software-in-the-loop testing including work with aerospace flight software or flight hardware and testing equipment including EGSE test racks, PXIs, simulators, etc. * Active TS/SCI security clearance w/CI Poly , which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly desired. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance 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
* A 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 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .