Modeling and Simulation Engineer, Software Architect

Analytical Mechanics Associates•Huntsville, AL

1d•$90,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. (AMA) is seeking a Modeling and Simulation Engineer to support the development, verification, and release of advanced modeling and simulation tools in its Advanced Capabilities and Programs group. The position is based in Denver, Colorado, or Huntsville, Alabama, and is capable of a hybrid work environment. The role combines software engineering practices, physics-based problem solving, and verification and validation (V&V) to ensure internally developed codes meet standards for accuracy, reliability, and usability. The successful candidate will also bring software architecture experience and knowledge of modeling partial differential equations. Primary work will support multidisciplinary engineering analyses of novel space nuclear designs, including fission surface power (FSP), nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP), and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) systems, for NASA’s Advanced Nuclear Technologies Office under the Space Reactors Division. The engineer will promote software engineering excellence across the team and collaborate with AMA and NASA engineers and scientists. AMA is a small business specializing in aerospace engineering, science and business analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. The position offers compensation expected to be between $90,000 and $140,000, commensurate with experience and education. Candidates selected for an interview must provide two or more references. AMA describes its work environment as engaging, collaborative, and supportive, and emphasizes employee professional growth. Its benefits include paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, a 401(k) matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short- and long-term disability plans, and medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
Strong proficiency in C++, Python, and engineering software development.
Experience with software verification and validation, including automated testing frameworks.
Familiarity with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and software release processes.
Ability to understand multidisciplinary engineering and physics-based models in code.
Experience developing, debugging, and validating physics-based models.
Experience with high-performance computing clusters and parallel processing.
Experience in advanced numerical methods, machine learning, and applications of artificial intelligence.
Technical writing experience and ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse multidisciplinary audiences.
Ability to independently communicate and interface with government customers or stakeholders.
U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of relevant professional work and/or academic research experience.
Experience working with NASA, DOE, DOD, or other related government agencies.
Experience with object-oriented programming, Git version control, and software architecture management.
Experience with system-level or reduced-order modeling, transient simulations, and engineering software or tool development.
Experience with propulsion system modeling, engine cycle analysis, turbomachinery, thermal management, or advanced energy systems.
Previous exposure to or direct research related to advanced nuclear reactor systems for in-space applications, such as FSP, NTP, or NEP.
Experience with Linux-based computing platforms.
Self-motivation, good communication skills, and interest in working in a highly motivated team environment.
Strong organizational skills, including ability to establish processes and organize project tasks.

Responsibilities

Lead adoption and implementation of software engineering best practices across multiple Advanced Capabilities and Programs projects.
Establish and maintain coding standards, style guides, and team development workflows.
Conduct code reviews and mentor engineers on software quality and design patterns.
Promote best practices in testing, documentation, and technical debt management.
Serve as primary software architect for multiple in-house, multidisciplinary engineering analysis tools.
Refactor and optimize scientific codes for maintainability, scalability, and performance.
Implement object-oriented software designs, modular architectures, and version control such as Git.
Develop interfaces and workflows for multiphysics simulations, including MOOSE-based applications.
Create and execute V&V plans for physics-based codes, including unit and regression tests and benchmark comparisons.
Establish traceability between requirements, test cases, and validation datasets.
Document assumptions, limitations, and validation results for stakeholder review.
Prepare codes for formal release and act as the primary release manager.
Develop CI/CD pipelines for automated builds and testing.
Ensure reproducibility and auditability of software artifacts.
Collaborate with AMA and NASA staff engineers and scientists to translate complex physics models into robust computational implementations.
Communicate with multidisciplinary engineers and project managers through presentations and technical reports.