Modeling and Simulation Software Architect

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.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers. 

The Modeling and Simulation Computing Department (MSCD) consists of a team dedicated to ground-breaking software solutions and capabilities for government and commercial customer needs.  We are looking for a Modeling and Simulation Software Architect (Engineering Specialist - Systems and Modeling and Simulation Engineer). We enable detailed and complex modeling, analysis, optimization, and visualization of satellite orbits, system architectures, and engineering trade-spaces to provide customer decision support for the future of space. 

Work Model 

• This is a full-time position in Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, or El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work. 

What You'll Be Doing:  

• Independently provide deep technical expertise, innovation, and project coordination/leadership on efforts to grow and sustain the sub-division’s modeling, simulation, and analysis capabilities in teams with multi-disciplinary technical leaders across the company, Aerospace Program Office personnel, and external customers to define and address customer needs  
• Partner with analysis leads to advise key stakeholders and government customers by leading customer engagement efforts on a range of modeling and simulation workflows within the sub-division
• Serve as main point of contact for multiple programs and/or activities for major department-level technical efforts to key Aerospace Program Offices and external customers. 
• Serve as a key mentor to junior technical staff in one or more department focus areas. 
• Develop and present timely and technically accurate briefings and reports that clearly communicate software development progress and provide recommended design solutions to technical leads, management, and customers 
• Manage the development and maintenance of one or more corporate M&S tools and associated workflows.  
• Engage with software users and customers to refine capability requirements 
• Conduct software architecture design and assist with the integration of new workflows to meet customer needs 
• Travel as necessary to support customer efforts <10%

What You Need to be Successful - Engineering Specialist - Modeling & Simulation and Systems Software Engineering  

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or other related STEM majors.
• 6 years or more of related and progressive experience in modeling and simulation
• Demonstrated proficiency in C++, including experience in designing, developing, and testing production level software.
• Experience in modern software development, integration, and testing practices 
• Proven ability to serve as a technical lead for a software project team.
• Experience leveraging software configuration management and collaboration tools in team environments (Bitbucket, Jira, GitHub, or similar) 
• Demonstrated ability and experience in mentoring and training emerging software developers to enhance their skills and knowledge
• Strong communication skills demonstrated through technical writing and presentation to collaborate and influence across teams (staff, peers, and stakeholders)
• Willingness to travel occasionally to corporate or customer locations to support efforts as needed 
• This position requires the 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 Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related STEM degree
• Experience implementing build systems such as CMake
• Experience building and optimizing M&S software capabilities for HPC hardware
• Experience in space domain modeling, simulation, and analysis

• Familiarity or expertise in sensor phenomenology such as SIGINT, SAR, EO, and OTHR as well as their application in space-based domains

• In depth experience in designing modern software architectures
• Experience with various containerization software platforms including podman, docker, apptainer, etc.
• Experience with cloud-based simulation and distributed architecture
• Knowledge of Intelligence Community and U.S. Department of Defense business practices and programs.
• Current Top Secret/SCI Clearance with polygraph, and special programs access

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)

$117,300.00 - $175,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

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.