Modeling Research Collaborator – ECLSS

Amentum•Huntsville, AL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This part-time research collaboration for an Alabama Space Grant Consortium Graduate Fellow will explore the application of Chemical Reactor Networks (CRN) as an alternative modeling approach for Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) subsystems at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Initial focus will be on the Four Bed Carbon Dioxide Scrubber (4BCO2) simulation. The collaborator will work under the mentorship of the Modeling & Simulation Tech Fellow. This opportunity supports the fellow’s ASGC requirement while providing exposure to air-side ECLSS modeling and potential contributions to dissertation work.

Requirements

Current Ph.D. candidate in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field at an Alabama Space Grant Consortium university.
Strong background in computational modeling, simulation, or multi-physics analysis.
Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, COMSOL, Python, or similar tools.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Chemical Reactor Networks, reaction modeling, or adsorption systems.
Prior knowledge of ECLSS technologies, fluid/thermal systems, or spacecraft environmental control.
Hands-on experience with laboratory testing or hardware-related modeling.

Responsibilities

Review the existing 4BCO2 simulation model developed at ES62.
Investigate and apply Chemical Reactor Network (CRN) methods to model key aspects of the 4BCO2 or related ECLSS subsystems.
Assess advantages, limitations, and benefits of CRN approaches versus current simulation methods.
Document modeling work, results, and findings in technical notes or reports.
Participate in technical discussions with the ECLSS Modeling & Simulation team.
Maintain regular communication with the mentor and meet agreed milestones.