Software Engineer

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.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
Job Summary
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 Department (VED) is part of VSD, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within the Aerospace Corporation. We are seeking a Software Engineer who has outstanding technical and programming skills, an understanding of physics/physical hardware systems, is inquisitive and motivated to learn, and has uncompromising integrity and objectivity The Vehicle Modeling and Analysis Section within VED 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.
This full-time position will be a hybrid work model with remote consideration. Nominally based in Chantilly, VA, this role will combine regular onsite work with remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• Develop advanced, high-performance, production-quality modeling and simulation (M&S) and analysis software to support program office and government customers.
• Participate in full software development life cycle including subsequent required maintenance activities.
• Collaborate with other developers to design and optimize code and assist in the creation of technical documentation and user guides.
• Participate in cross-disciplinary teams to solve in complex and challenging problems. You may be the only software engineer on the team and will need to guide, advise, instruct, and mentor staff with little or no software engineering background.
• Maintain and enhance Java-based distributed simulation frameworks with multi-threaded architectures and develop new distributed simulation federates, pre- and post-simulation data processing, and visualization tools.
• Develop analytic tools and integrate tool chains to support studies for future satellite systems and architectures and interface with small satellite hardware, software and system emulators.
• Develop and modify algorithms to enhance simulation capabilities.
• You should have strong people management skills which includes: training, motivating and directing employees to optimize workplace productivity and promote professional growth

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics, or an Engineering discipline with experience in software engineering and development of technical and scientific software
• 12 years of experience in Software Engineering/Development and/or an Engineering role involved with Software Engineering/Development
• Knowledge of physics-based space simulations
• Proficiency in Java with strong Object-oriented design (OOD) and development skill and background in multithreaded, multi-processor, networked and distributed systems and architectures.
• Working knowledge of Java GUI API's or willingness to learn
• Sufficient knowledge of, or willingness to learn, C, C++, Fortran and MATLAB to extract or port critical code, familiarity with publish-subscribe architectures, Python and JSON and XML files often used for data exchange and API definitions
• Sound communication skills with an ability to explain software engineering processes, activities, architectures and designs, technologies, and operations to staff and customers with limited software engineering background
• Performance engineering experience focused on software runtime and efficiency including CPU utilization and memory usage
• Experience employing Agile, Scrum and/or Waterfall practices, methodologies, and techniques in the development of production, R&D, and/or prototype scientific, engineering, and technical software
• Prior experience leading small (2-4) teams or willingness to grow into such a role
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 25% (as required)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Graduate degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics, or an Engineering discipline with experience in software engineering and development of technical and scientific software
• Distributed simulation experience
• Knowledge of HLA, DIS, TENA, as well as other distributed simulation frameworks and communications frameworks, such as ActiveMQ, DDS, and Kafka
• Experience with graphics and presentation API's such as Dash, Worldwind, OpenGL, Matplotlib
• Strong background in C, C++, Swing, AWT, or JavaFX
• Knowledge of military or space systems such as sensors, guidance navigation and control (GNC), communications systems, or orbital mechanics
• Experience with hardware-software interfacing and communications, or embedded systems
• A current and active TS/SCI security clearance w/CI Poly security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security 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 - Mid - Max)
$140,000 - $165,000 - $225,000
Pay Basis: Annual
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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 [email protected]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.