Modeling and Simulation Solution Architect

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

71d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Modeling and Simulation Solutions Architect (Engineering Specialist/Senior Engineering Specialist - Software Architecture Engineering) to design and develop a Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) framework for testing multiple functionalities across the space enterprise. This role supports the acquisition of new capabilities and Warfighter training. The ideal candidate will possess outstanding technical and programming skills, an understanding of physics/physical hardware systems, be inquisitive and motivated to learn, and demonstrate uncompromising integrity and objectivity. This position requires 100% onsite work and can be located in Chantilly, VA., Colorado Springs, CO., El Segundo, CA., or Albuquerque, NM. The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) is central to current and future space systems, providing innovative research and development, technical evaluations, design, assembly, integration, testing, and operational support. The Vehicle Engineering & Integration Department (VEID) within VSD is a leading satellite and launch vehicle technical organization. The Vehicle Modeling and Analysis Section within VEID focuses on implementing multi-disciplinary analytical models and developing software tools for satellite, ground, and launch vehicle development and operations.

Requirements

• 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 maintain 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 approximately 10% of the time
• For Sr. Engineering Specialist: 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
• For Sr. Engineering Specialist: Experience working with integrated, multidisciplinary, multi-organizational teams

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level