Project/Unit Description The Signals and Systems Division (SASD) in the Advanced Concepts and Technologies Laboratory (ACT) seeks qualified candidates for the position of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Engineer in Atlanta, GA and/or Dayton, OH.
ACT develops tailored solutions for a broad range of national security challenges through disciplined application of physics- and effects-based modeling to realizable systems, augmented with prototype development and testing. Domains include optical systems engineering research, lidar, sensing and seekers, photonic devices and microelectronics, mission engineering analysis with a focus on survivability, traditional and asymmetric threat analysis, and ground maneuver warfare.
This mid- to senior-level position involves using industry-standard programming languages including Python, MATLAB, C++, and AFSIM native scripting language to design, build, and execute complex analysis frameworks. The M&S Engineer will collaborate with a cross-functional team inclusively composed of software engineers, other M&S engineers, and electronic system architects to meet team goals, working with both internal team members and external sponsors. The successful candidate will balance project commitments to meet team goals, working with sponsors, engineers, and GTRI management. They will be given leadership of sub-tasks and will be mentored to develop skills in leading projects and people, presenting their work to external stakeholders, and engaging sponsors to identify potential opportunities and contribute to proposals.
Job Purpose The Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Engineer works closely with research, development, and testing teams to combine simulation modeling with data analytics in order to provide recommendations to optimize system designs in support of current and future research, development, and testing efforts. Specifically, the M&S Engineer is responsible for constructing computer simulation models, verifying and validating simulation models, performing simulation experiments to predict system behaviors, providing solutions to project stakeholders, and improving systems and processes.
The M&S Engineer is familiar with important M&S concepts and techniques, constantly keeps abreast of new tool and language developments, and is familiar with a wide range of both open source and proprietary modeling and simulation tools, frameworks, and environments, such as AFSIM, AnyLogic, Arena, ExtendSim, OpenFoam, OpenModelica, NetLogo, etc.
In addition to tools, an M&S Engineer should be aware of many of the core M&S techniques - such as discrete event simulation, continuous simulation, agent-based modeling, distributed simulation, and conceptual modeling.
At higher levels, the M&S Engineer/Specialist guides and conducts modeling, simulation, and analysis activities which includes eliciting requirements from stakeholders to support the design and implementation of M&S frameworks, computer simulation models, and simulation experiments.
Furthermore, the M&S Engineer is responsible for ensuring that models and simulations are designed according to M&S best practices and standards as well as for flexibility to support future modeling needs and enhancements.
Key Responsibilities - Direct sponsor engagement and facilitate product or system requirements gathering and analysis
- Develop critical M&S inputs, including framework definition, requirements analysis, synthesis, systems analysis and implementation
- Conduct product or system design analysis translating requirements into valid models and experimental designs for systems of moderate complexity
- Develop technical reports and diagrams detailing product or system attributes.
- Analyze product or system functionality as defined by requirements.
- Implement approaches that foster reusability of existing M&S expressions
Additional Responsibilities - Integrate with study planning, mission modeling, and data analysis functional teams
- Directly support modeling, simulation, and analysis efforts by developing platform models, scenarios, and tools to assess platform and weapon survivability and effectiveness
- Lead by example, establish best practices and coding patterns, and mentor others to produce extensible and maintainable code
- Advise senior government and industry stakeholders in strategy related to operations analysis
- Lead technical projects based on operational analysis of advanced systems of systems
- Capture external funding for future projects that involve operational scenarios and architecture analysis
- Contribute to the innovative, cutting-edge software research using Independent Research and Development (IRAD)
- Develop skills and training as part of the greater GTRI workforce using professional development funding
Required Minimum Qualifications - BS in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
- At least two years of experience with at least one of the following languages:
- C, C#, C++
- Python
- Java
- MATLAB
- Rust
- Experience with machine learning / artificial intelligence
- Understanding of operational analysis methods and techniques
- Good verbal and written communication skills. Able to convey technical material in a clear, concise manner to a nontechnical audience
- Able to act in varied roles as both a technical resource and in leadership positions
- Ability to work in a secure space without access to the internet or personal electronic device
- Able to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret Security Clearance
Preferred Qualifications - Active TS/SCI Clearance
- MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
- Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program relevant to this position will be considered. The candidate must have a graduation date of no later than May 2027.
- Demonstrated proficiency with quantitative operational modeling using tools such as AFSIM, Cyber Assassin, or other mission-level modeling and simulation environments
- Experience with sensor and/or Electromagnetic Warfare signal processing techniques, systems, and/or tactical implementation
- Experience modeling communication networks
- Depth of knowledge of defense-related business and technical priorities
- Experience writing successful proposals as part of a cross-functional team
Travel RequirementsEducation and Length of Experience This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement.The final job offerwill be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook
- 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
- 3 years of related experience with a Masters' degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
- 0 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
Please refer to our Research Faculty Technical Level Guidelines for minimum requirements at the higher levels.
U.S. Citizenship Requirements Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.
Clearance Type Required Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.
Benefits at GTRI Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.
