Aerospace Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group (STAG), part of SPA's Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters. Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF). Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!

Support the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Directed Energy Directorate and its DoD partners with physics-based modeling and simulation of satellites and ground-based electro-optical systems. AFRL's Directed Energy Directorate is the Department of the Air Force's Center of Expertise for directed energy and optical technologies. Located at Kirtland Air Force Base, NM, the Directorate develops and transitions technologies in four core technical competencies: laser systems, high power electromagnetics, modeling and simulation, and directed energy and electro-optics for space superiority. AFRL partners include Starfire Optical Range (SOR), Satellite Assessment Center (SatAC) and Maui High Performance Computing Center (MHPCC).

SPA has an immediate need for a highly qualified Aerospace Modeling & Simulation Engineer.

The successful candidate for this position will apply understanding of applied physics, satellite systems, electro-optical observation platforms, and engineering principles to properly support multiple portfolios of technical contribution.

Key duties associated with this role include but are not limited to the following:

Support general SOR analytics requirements.
• Provide modeling and simulation support with software tools developed by SatAC and/or its partners.
• Provide technical oversight for critical internal and external missions with performing contractors.
• Provide recommendations for technical solutions related to analysis, operations, and data manipulation with AFRL resources
• Analyze and recommend current and future mission needs to government and military management at various levels.
• Research and evaluate high performance computing tools, programs, and algorithms for future scientific technical data curation.
• Write and provide technical reports and white papers describing state-of-the-art technology and methodology research, evaluation, and recommendations.

Required:

• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to attain and hold a TS clearance; SCI eligibility
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM field (i.e., physics, mathematics, optics, engineering) with 6+ years of experience
• Familiarity with imagery data processing and physics-based modeling and simulation
• Experience with scripting in Matlab and/or Python
• Familiarity with space systems, operational requirements, and related principles
• Ability to provide recommendations derived from complex set of requirements and work independently and complete tasking with minimum guidance and supervision
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, research-oriented group that has several concurrent projects
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office products and use of MS Teams, Git
• Excellent writing, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
• Reports to designated work location in Albuquerque, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer

Desired:

• Master's degree or PhD in physics, astronomy/astrophysics, optical engineering or a related technical discipline
• Experience in DoD Dev/Sec/Ops delivery of technical capabilities
• Experience in laser physics, atmospheric turbulence, and/or observational astronomy
• Knowledge of the DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF)
• Active TS/SCI clearance