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 have 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 Management; 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 Knowledge of distributed simulation standards (e.g. HLA, DIS, TENA) and experience with time synchronization across federates
• Strong Programming 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
• Demonstrated 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

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.