Sr. Modeling and Simulation Engineer (Power and Propulsion)

This position offers fully remote opportunities for candidates across the United States. Preferred work locations: Arlington VA, Denver CO, or Merritt Island, FL.

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc offers advanced solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements. Celebrating over 50 years in the US, we remain a trusted government partner, leveraging world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor and fixed wing solutions to help our national security, defense and space focused customers meet their missions.

Airbus U.S. looks to employ a commitment driven team, dedicated to enabling our customer's mission success. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and a welcoming and engaging staff. With competitive compensation and superior employee benefits, as well as a commitment to fostering individual career growth, Airbus U.S. is the place where top talent wants to work.

Position Summary:

Airbus U.S. is looking for an enthusiastic and creative Senior Modeling and Simulation Engineer to develop, maintain, and perform simulations of spacecraft electrical power and propulsion subsystems. We're looking for candidates who can bring exceptional engineering skills and strong experience in aerospace programs to the team.

Position Responsibilities:

The Sr. Modeling and Simulation Engineer's primary responsibility will be modeling and analysis of Electrical Power Subsystems (EPS) for Airbus U.S. spacecraft. In addition to the ability to write and maintain code, this role requires working knowledge of EPS hardware and system-level collaboration with other spacecraft subsystems: thermal, attitude & orbit control, avionics, propulsion, and flight software. The secondary responsibilities will be contributing to validation of flight software controlling the electrical power subsystem and modeling and simulation of electric thruster plumes. This engineer will be involved in the full lifecycle of development, from requirements definition through operations. Being at the cutting edge of space technology, we need someone who is eager to learn, grow, and take on new and potentially unfamiliar challenges. There is no shortage of fascinating problems to solve. 

The Sr. Modeling and Simulation Engineer will support moderate and complex assignments, under the leadership of the Power & Propulsion Engineering Manager and other senior Electrical Power Subsystem Engineers.

Electrical Power Subsystem - Modeling and Simulation - 50%

• Perform power and energy balance analyses for flight programs, development programs, and proposals.
• Develop and maintain the power budget for flight programs, development programs, and proposals.
• Understand the hardware on Airbus U.S. spacecraft to accurately model their effect on the electrical power subsystem.
• Maintain, upgrade, version control, and document in-house power and energy balance analysis tools.
• Iterate and collaborate with other subsystem engineers (thermal, attitude & orbit control, avionics, propulsion) for inputs to power and energy balance analyses.
• Provide results of power and energy balance analyses for other subsystem analyses.

Electrical Power Subsystem – Systems Engineering Interface - 30%

• Support validation of flight software that monitors and commands the electrical power subsystem by reviewing test plans and test results to ensure correct interaction between flight software and hardware.
• Support planning for mission operations by reviewing and providing inputs to flight test plans and procedures.

Plasma Propulsion Subsystem – Modeling and Simulation - 20%

• Perform plume analyses of Hall-effect thruster plume interactions with spacecraft surfaces.
• Develop and maintain plume analysis simulation tools.
• Iterate and collaborate with mechanical and propulsion engineers to accurately model spacecraft geometries and plasma-surface interactions.

Qualified Experience / Skills / Training:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, aerospace engineering, or related areas.
• Preferred: Master's in electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, aerospace engineering, or related areas.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years with a Bachelor's degree, or 6 years with a Master's degree.
• Proven track-record of working spacecraft programs.

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

• Solid understanding of spacecraft electrical power subsystems and other interfacing subsystems.
• Proficiency with one or more programming/scripting languages (ex: Python, Rust, Julia, MATLAB), Git, Jira, and Microsoft 365 products.
• Experience with Altium, Ltspice, or PSpice is a plus.
• Familiarity with elements of space mission architectures extending beyond the satellite platform – including launch, flight operations, mission CONOPS, user interfaces, etc.
• Ability to learn new skills and develop expertise in different technical disciplines.
• Communicate in a clear and concise manner effectively across multiple levels
• Be team-minded and ready to work in a multi-functional and multi-cultural, fast-moving and complex/technical environment.
• Flexible attitude and strong initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results.

Travel Required:

• Less than 10% for program reviews or team activities.

Eligibility:

• US Citizenship is required.

Clearance:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• Active DoD security clearance at Secret or above highly desirable.

Physical Requirements:

• Vision: able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents.
• Hearing: able to hear to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds including safety warnings or alarms.
• Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment.
• Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on computer.

Equal Opportunity: 

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status.

As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

By submitting your resume or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [email protected].

Company Website:  www.airbusus.com