C++ Simulation Software Engineer

C++ Simulation Software Engineer

The Algorithms, Modeling and Assessments (AMA) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a professional with a background in computer science, scientific/mathematical modeling, aerospace/mechanical/electrical engineering, or related physical science for the application of modeling and 3-D visualization of nuclear-weapon effects on missile defense and space-based systems.

Minimum Requirements:

• Applicants selected to perform work shall be U.S. citizens and shall comply with applicable program security requirements. The nature of work (i.e., interactions with the intelligence community and DOD programs/facilities) requires eligibility to apply for and hold a U.S. security clearance; selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment.
• Applicants must have a degree in one of the following (or related) fields or be currently enrolled in an accredited degree program with completion within a year:
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Physics
• Applications must also have the following years of relevant work experience accompanying their education level:
• BS: 2 – 4 years
• MS: 0 – 2 years

Required Skills:

• Strong C/C++ programming skills.
• A desire to work in a dynamic team environment.
• Knowledge of principles, concepts, and techniques of scientific analysis, statistics and mathematical methodologies.
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written mediums with technical and non-technical audiences.

The Team

Our team is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora—"ever better". This ideal applies not just to the betterment of products for our end users, but also to the betterment of oneself as an individual and professional. We support our team members in pursuing tasks and projects that interest them to build their skills and broaden their experiences, which, ultimately, increases their value. We always strive to find the best way to deliver useful products to our end users, and, in that regard, the team promotes a mindset that is open to change and improvement. Team members are also encouraged to grow their own ideas, and we support them with access to subject-matter experts (SMEs) who have decades of experience in marketing and creating successful products for our customers.

The Experience

The successful applicant will work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and computer scientists developing simulation tool technologies that support real-world planning operations for the Department of Defense and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). You will be continuously challenged to learn and grow expertise in new areas of great importance to our national defense. You'll become familiar with unique research areas such as:

• nuclear-weapons effects & survivability
• missile defense
• natural space phenomena
• and much more

Good communications skills and an ability to work in a (distributed) team environment are essential. Other responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• supporting government-housed software and simulation environments
• software development and maintenance
• performing analysis
• creating analysis summaries and briefing materials
• working remotely with developers and subject matter experts
• and customer interaction at DTRA and/or other government agencies

The Role

This role will take place in our Arlington, Virginia office. Partial remote work is optional but will need to be close enough to come into the office a couple times a week or as needed. This role is probably a good opportunity for you if you have interest and/or experience in some of the following (or related) areas:

• Core development:
• Software architecture, algorithms, data structures
• GUI, API design, UX design, and/or test-driven development
• Modern C++ (17/20/23+)
• Modern Fortran
• GPU offloading
• Machine Learning / Neural Networks
• Experience with OpenGL (GLSL)
• OpenSceneGraph
• osgEarth
• GUI development:
• Qt (C++)
• ImGUI
• Gitlab CI Pipeline
• CMake build system
• Model development:
• Systems of Systems
• Missile defense
• Kill chain
• Satellites / space-based systems
• Orbital mechanics and propagation
• Imaging, sensing, communicating
• Fields of view and regard
• Nuclear phenomena
• Fireball evolution
• Atmospheric effects
• Artificial–radiation-belt evolution
• Geo-Magnetic field lines / L-Shells
• Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) and Surface-Generated EMP (SGEMP)
• Radiation damage to systems and components (optical, electrical)
• Plasma fields/clouds and their effects on RF/laser signal propagation
• Networks
• Missile defense fire control
• Satellite – Satellite communications
• Satellite – Ground communications
• RF Sensors
• Phased arrays of various shapes (e.g., hexagonal)
• Antenna elements, array factor, phase shifts, beam steering
• Radars/seekers
• Uplinker/Downlinker components
• Kalman filters

Company Information:

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has more than 2,345 employee owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. We believe in the importance of open and honest communication as well as work/life balance. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company.

To find out more about what the Integrated Mission Systems Sector has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits

ARA is an EOE M/F/Disability/Veteran employer