Optimization Algorithm Developer for Modeling and Simulation

Optimization Algorithm Developer For Modeling And Simulation

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 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 an Optimization Algorithm Developer for Modeling and Simulation (Engineering Specialist). 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 based in El Segundo, CA, Colorado Springs, CO, or Chantilly, VA

What You'll Be Doing

• Develop and implement optimization algorithms across multiple space-focused domains including trajectory design, network design, constellation design, resource scheduling, message routing, and more.
• Provide deep technical expertise, innovation, and project coordination/leadership on efforts to grow and sustain the sub-division's optimization 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 ETG analysis leads to advise key stakeholders and government customers by leading customer engagement efforts on a range of modeling and simulation workflows within the
• 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.
• Help define and address customer needs through interaction with key technical leaders across the company, Aerospace Program Office personnel, and external customers.
• Serve as a 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
• Engage with software users and customers to refine capability requirements
• Travel as necessary to support customer efforts

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, operations research, aerospace engineering, computer science, software engineering or other related degree
• 6 years of relevant and progressive experience in optimization
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following optimization methods:
• classical single-objective techniques (gradient-based methods, Newton's methods)
• nonlinear programming (constrained/unconstrained NLP, SQP, interior point methods)
• multi-objective optimization (Pareto methods, genetic algorithms)
• convex optimization
• mixed-integer programming, global optimization heuristics
• Proficiency in C++ including software architecture, performance optimization, and algorithm development
• Demonstrated success leveraging software configuration management and collaboration tools in team environments (Bitbucket, Jira, GitHub, or similar)
• Expertise in modern software development, integration, and testing practices
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present technical approaches and results in briefings, formal reports, and team discussion.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with team members, customers, and contractors
• Willing to travel occasionally to corporate or customer locations to support efforts as needed
• 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

• Advanced degree in STEM
• Expertise in multiple of the following optimization methods:
• classical single-objective techniques (gradient-based methods, Newton's methods)
• nonlinear programming (constrained/unconstrained NLP, SQP, interior point methods)
• multi-objective optimization (Pareto methods, genetic algorithms)
• convex optimization
• mixed-integer programming, global optimization heuristics
• Experience in space domain modeling, simulation, and analysis
• Specialized deep technical knowledge in one or more key space disciplines (e.g. astrodynamics, communications, guidance navigation and control, geolocation, remote sensing, debris modeling, access/sensor modeling)
• Experience with Aerospace customers and industry players
• Experience writing software for use on high performance computing clusters
• Experience writing cloud-native modeling & simulation applications
• Experience in cloud technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, etc.)
• Experience leveraging software factories, DevSecOps, and CI/CD technologies
• Demonstrated contributions to open source or InnerSource projects
• Relevant certifications in Agile project management
• Demonstrated ability and experience in mentoring and training emerging software developers to enhance their skills and knowledge
• Current TS/SCI or higher 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)

$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