Optimization Algorithm Developer for Modeling and Simulation

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

10h • Hybrid

About The Position

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. Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers. The Modeling and Simulation Computing Department (MSCD) consists of a team dedicated to ground-breaking software solutions and capabilities for government and commercial customer needs. We are looking for a n Optimization Algorithm Developer for Modeling and Simulation (Engineering Specialist). We enable detailed and complex modeling, analysis, optimization, and visualization of satellite orbits, system architectures, and engineering trade-spaces to provide customer decision support for the future of space.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mathematics, operations research, aerospace engineering, computer science, software engineering or other related degree.
• 6 years of relevant and progressive experience in optimization.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following optimization methods: classical single-objective techniques (gradient-based methods, Newton's methods), nonlinear programming (constrained/unconstrained NLP, SQP, interior point methods), multi-objective optimization (Pareto methods, genetic algorithms) convex optimization mixed-integer programming, global optimization heuristics.
• Proficiency in C++ including software architecture, performance optimization, and algorithm development.
• Demonstrated success leveraging software configuration management and collaboration tools in team environments (Bitbucket, Jira, GitHub, or similar).
• Expertise in modern software development, integration, and testing practices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present technical approaches and results in briefings, formal reports, and team discussion.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with team members, customers, and contractors.
• Willing to travel occasionally to corporate or customer locations to support efforts as needed.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.
• U.S. citizenship is to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in STEM.
• Expertise in multiple of the following optimization methods: classical single-objective techniques (gradient-based methods, Newton's methods), nonlinear programming (constrained/unconstrained NLP, SQP, interior point methods), multi-objective optimization (Pareto methods, genetic algorithms) convex optimization mixed-integer programming, global optimization heuristics.
• Experience in space domain modeling, simulation, and analysis.
• Specialized deep technical knowledge in one or more key space disciplines (e.g. astrodynamics, communications, guidance navigation and control, geolocation, remote sensing, debris modeling, access/sensor modeling).
• Experience with Aerospace customers and industry players.
• Experience writing software for use on high performance computing clusters.
• Experience writing cloud-native modeling & simulation applications.
• Experience in cloud technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, etc.).
• Experience leveraging software factories, DevSecOps, and CI/CD technologies.
• Demonstrated contributions to open source or InnerSource projects.
• Relevant certifications in Agile project management.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in mentoring and training emerging software developers to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Current TS/SCI or higher security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement optimization algorithms across multiple space-focused domains including trajectory design, network design, constellation design, resource scheduling, message routing, and more.
• Provide deep technical expertise, innovation, and project coordination/leadership on efforts to grow and sustain the sub-division’s optimization capabilities in teams with multi-disciplinary technical leaders across the company, Aerospace Program Office personnel, and external customers to define and address customer needs.
• Partner with ETG analysis leads to advise key stakeholders and government customers by leading customer engagement efforts on a range of modeling and simulation workflows within the.
• Serve as main point of contact for multiple programs and/or activities for major department-level technical efforts to key Aerospace Program Offices and external customers.
• Help define and address customer needs through interaction with key technical leaders across the company, Aerospace Program Office personnel, and external customers.
• Serve as a mentor to junior technical staff in one or more department focus areas.
• Develop and present timely and technically accurate briefings and reports that clearly communicate software development progress and provide recommended design solutions to technical leads, management, and customers.
• Engage with software users and customers to refine capability requirements.
• Travel as necessary to support customer efforts.

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: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees