Aerospace Systems Engineer

Job Description:

AMA is accepting applications for a motivated engineer to perform cutting edge analyses within AMA’s Advanced Projects group at the Denver, CO locations.

The desired candidate will possess a graduate degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering and / or will have professional experience related aerospace systems engineering or structural/mechanical analysis. Primary work responsibilities will focus on supporting multidisciplinary engineering analyses in support of system design for fission surface power (FSP), nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP), and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) systems in support of NASA’s Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) project. There is strong desire for the applicant to have structural FEA experience. The applicant can expect to work on a wide range of tasks, which may include requirements development, high level trade studies, spacecraft design, system sizing, physics-based modeling and simulation including heat transfer/thermodynamic systems and software optimization.

The compensation for this position is expected to be between $80k – $120k and is commensurate with experience and education. Location is in Denver, CO for onsite/hybrid work. Qualified candidates must be able to start immediately.

Responsibilities:

• The successful applicant will assist AMA’s Advanced Projects team with performing analyses on a range of potential missions: 
  • Developing FEA models in FEMAP/NASTRAN
  • Creating relevant models in python/MATLAB. 
  • Processing results and developing reports/slide decks to present findings to NASA and related agency stakeholders. 
• The successful applicant will also assist AMA’s engineering team with performing analyses on a range of space systems subjects, which may include: 
  • Performing literature reviews.  
  • Systems engineering tasks such as requirements development and trade studies. 
  • Spacecraft system design, ranging from entire spacecraft MEL to engineering analysis of specific systems. 
  • Technical tasks such as heat transfer and thermodynamic analysis, mass modeling, or software development/analysis related to mission or spacecraft design  
  • Technical writing and documentation of projects and engineering processes. 
• Publish reports, papers, and articles on findings.

Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or another related field.  An advanced degree is desired but not required.
• A minimum of 2 years of related work experience in systems engineering, space mission analysis, or modeling and simulation.
• Experience in structural finite element analysis.
• Technical writing experience and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to a diverse multi-disciplinary team / audience. Ability to independently communicate with and interface with government customers or stakeholders.
• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency.

Desired Qualifications:

Not all desired qualifications are necessary or expected from applicants. Tasks will be assigned based on team needs and the applicant’s interest, niche skills, and strengths.

• A graduate-level degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering and/or 0 – 5 years of relevant professional work experience.
• Previous exposure to or direct research related to space nuclear propulsion systems (e.g., FSP, NTP, NEP, etc.).
• Experience working with NASA, DOE, DOD, or other related government agencies.
• Experience creating structural finite element models in FEMAP/NASTRAN or equivalent software.
• Experience independently designing and performing trades of various space systems in a nuclear or aerospace related field / industry.
• Good project experience with significant technical contribution directly relevant to the technical tasks listed above. 
• Experience with object-oriented programming, Git version control, and software architecture management.
• Self-motivated with good communication skills and desire to work in a highly motivated team environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to set up processes and organize project tasks.

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.