Senior Agent-Based Portfolio Optimization 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.
The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.
Are you excited about applying innovative optimization and analysis techniques to problems of national importance? If so, consider this exciting position in the Space Enterprise Design and Optimization Department (SEDOD). In SEDOD, we leverage trade space exploration, optimization, and analysis techniques to solve the nation's hardest problems across the space enterprise, including orbit design, portfolio selection, payload concept design, communications architecting, resiliency analysis, and commercial capability integration. We are looking for a Senior Agent-Based Portfolio Optimization Engineer to lead modeling and simulation efforts focused on integrating trade space exploration with agent-based modeling to solve enterprise-level challenges, coordinating expertise from across EED and beyond to proactively assist the government in decision-making for the future of the space enterprise. Join us today and become a part of a workplace environment that promotes innovation, growth, and technical excellence!
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA; Chantilly, VA; Colorado Springs, CO; or Huntsville, AL offering a hybrid work model that combines at least 4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• Direct complex technical tasks, managing resources to efficiently staff multi-disciplinary project teams and execute a variety of optimization, trade space exploration, and modeling efforts

• Advise Aerospace program offices as a technical subject matter expert, cultivating understanding in customers and in junior team members

• Coordinate and organize analysis efforts using modeling and simulation capabilities through a combination of agent-based simulation and multi-objective optimization, connecting customer requirements with Aerospace capabilities

• Help to sustain, develop, grow, and deploy simulation and analysis capabilities to support new functional areas for a diverse and expanding customer base

• Serve as a senior mentor to new and junior staff, guiding routine analysis and development tasks as part of larger project efforts, and promoting a collaborative environment for professional growth

What You Need to be Successful

• B.S. degree in aerospace, astronautical, or mechanical engineering, physics, operations research, mathematics, or a related field of science or engineering

• At least 10 years of relevant and increasingly responsible professional or academic engineering/scientific experience

• History of leading multi-disciplinary technical teams with varied backgrounds delivering substantial technical analyses or development efforts in support of customer-driven projects

• Experience using modeling and simulation tools in support of optimization, agent-based modeling, orbital mechanics, or missile defense

• Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and schedule commitments

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with employees, customers, acquisition program offices, and contractors

• Exceptionally high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative

• Strong organization and communication skills

• Knowledge of Python, C, C++, Matlab, or another programming language

• Willing to support occasional travel domestically

• This position requires the 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:

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in one of the fields of study mentioned above

• Experience with Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM) or other agent-based simulations

• Work history in one of these specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: missile defense, geo-spatial intelligence, signals intelligence, space surveillance, space protection, ground systems, or communications infrastructure supporting defense or intelligence capabilities

• Extensive experience producing analyses and communicating results to various sized audiences

• Extensive history working with customers in the Department of Defense or Intelligence Community

• Expertise in astrodynamics, remote sensing, constellation design, or metaheuristic optimization including genetic algorithms

• Prior leadership of matrixed teams with various skill sets to solve multi-disciplinary challenges

• Experience working in partnership with multiple Aerospace program offices and customers

• Current and active Top-Secret Clearance (TS) with SCI access

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 - Max)
$151,300 - $226,900
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

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 various 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 employer. 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.