Modeling and Simulation Solution 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.

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 looking for a Modeling and Simulation Solutions Architect (Engineering Specialist/Senior Engineering Specialist - Software Architecture Engineering) to design and develop a Live Virtual Constructive framework for testing multiple functionalities across the space enterprise to support acquisition of new capabilities and Warfighter training. This person will need to have outstanding technical and programming skills, an understanding of physics/physical hardware systems, be inquisitive and motivated to learn, and ha ve uncompromising integrity and objectivity.

This position requires 100% onsite work and can located in Chantilly, VA., Colorado Springs, CO., El Segundo, CA., or Albuquerque, NM.

What You'll Be Doing

Design and develop full solutions architecture for the LVC effort including : the distributed simulation implementing common standards with time and federation management services ; User Interface ; Data Manag e ment ; and AI platform components

Create simulation models optimized for federated environments with distributed time management, synchronization, and entity transfer protocols

Integrate heterogeneous simulation systems across multiple sites, developing FOMs, SOMs, and gateways between different protocols

Ensure Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) interoperability with cross-domain solutions for classified/unclassified integration

Design and optimize network communication protocols with multicast, publish-subscribe messaging, QoS strategies, and latency compensation

Implement distributed state management, replication, conflict resolution, and entity ownership protocols across federation nodes

Optimize federation performance with interest management, load balancing, and distributed workload optimization strategies

Design fault detection, recovery, graceful degradation, health monitoring, and failover capabilities for distributed simulations

Develop test harnesses, validation frameworks, and conduct integration, scalability, and interoperability testing across sites

Implement monitoring, logging, alerting systems, and provide operational support for live distributed simulation exercises

Ensure compliance with standards ( e.g. IEEE 1516 (HLA) / IEEE 1278 (DIS) ) specifications with comprehensive documentation

Collaborate with simulation developers, data engineers, external organizations, and provide training on distributed simulation best practices

Maintain effective working relationships with Government leadership, contractors, supporting contractors, and engineering matrix reach back personnel

Develop and effectively communicate technical recommendations and solutions to Aerospace and Government leadership

Work with subject matter experts in physics and engineering to understand and incorporate models and algorithms into distributed software simulations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Engineering Specialist:

Bachelor's degree from accredited university in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, systems engineering, or related subject area /STEM degree

6 or more years of experience including experience in any of the following areas: distributed simulation systems development, modeling and simulation capabilities, implementation of HLA/DIS/TENA standards, software development and integration, network protocols and distributed systems architecture

Expert K nowledge of distributed simulation standards ( e.g. HLA, DIS, TENA) and experience with time synchronization across federates

Strong P rogramming skills in languages commonly used for simulation development (e.g., Java, C++, Python)

Experience with working with subject matter expert engineers to implement and maintain physics and/or engineering models

Understanding of distributed systems, network protocols, and time management algorithms

Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain and maintan a TS/SCI and Special Access (SAP) clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Ability to travel as required approximately 10% of the time

In addition to the requirements above, the minimum requirements for a Sr. Engineering Specialist are:

10 or more total years of experience including experience in any of the following areas: distributed simulation systems development, modeling and simulation capabilities, implementation of HLA/DIS/TENA standards, software development and integration, network protocols and distributed systems architecture

Experience working with integrated, multidisciplinary, multi-organizational teams

How You Can Stand Out

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

Advanced academic degree in systems engineering, computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or a related engineering or scientific field

Experience with cloud platforms, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and real-time systems

Strong debugging skills for complex distributed systems

D emonstrated experience in the development, integration, and test of software and/or data-intensive system architectures in federated simulation environments

Experience with processes associated with a government system acquisition and lifecycle

Demonstrated experience leading the development of modeling and simulation and/or digital engineering capabilities for Government applications

Practical knowledge of space mission operations , M&S, and training capabilities and processes to include space warfighting and wargaming

Knowledge and experience with system assessment processes and implementation

Experience with cross-domain solutions and classified/unclassified integration

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

Current TS/SCI and Special Access (SAP) 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 - $226,900.00

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