Mission Data & Simulation Integration 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 deliver innovative solutions spanning satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers.

About the role

The Information System Cyber Division is seeking an experienced, mission-focused Cross Pillar Integration Engineer to support Digital and AI transformation initiatives. This hands-on technical role bridges modernized next-generation Modeling & Simulation (M&S) software, enterprise Data Management Platforms (DMP), multiple computing environments, emerging agentic workflows, and complex mission requirements for Aerospace and its customers.

You will work directly with cutting-edge M&S tools, mission data, and DMPs to enable agentic data-driven simulation capabilities and workflows across multiple space mission programs. This role requires 100% onsite work in Huntsville, AL.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement data pipelines and integration services connecting ASOT platforms to modernized M&S software, enabling centralized data consumption across multiple mission programs while ensuring data quality, validation, and traceability.
• Develop deep understanding of Aerospace customer mission operations and requirements to effectively translate mission needs into technical data specifications and integration solutions.
• Provide hands-on technical support for M&S software tools across multiple customer programs, including configuration, customization, troubleshooting, simulation execution support, and results validation.
• Build and maintain data transformation logic and adapters to convert enterprise data formats into simulation-ready representations while preserving semantic meaning of mission datasets (e.g., orbital parameters, spacecraft configurations, sensor characteristics, environmental models).
• Support migration of embedded legacy data to modern Data Management platforms, ensuring data integrity and establishing patterns for reusable, centralized data management versus software-embedded datasets.
• Serve as technical liaison between data management teams, M&S software developers, mission analysts, and stakeholders across diverse programs with varying requirements and classification levels.
• Develop scripts, utilities, and automation tools to streamline data preparation, ingestion, post-processing workflows, and optimize data schemas and access patterns for M&S workloads.
• Collaborate with multiple customer programs simultaneously, adapting integration approaches to meet varying operational timelines and priorities while participating in technical reviews and program meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or other technical discipline.
• 8 or more years of increasingly responsible professional software engineering roles, especially related to Digital Engineering (DE), M&S, and data.
• Experience with simulation designs and related technologies such as HLA, DIS, TENA, Protobuf, Apache Kafka, etc.
• Hands-on experience in designing modern software architectures.
• Background in cloud technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency in one or more core computer languages such as Python or C++.
• Hands-on experience with databases (SQL and NoSQL), data pipelines, and ETL/ELT processes.
• Demonstrated ability working with APIs, web services, and data integration frameworks.
• Experience leveraging software factories, DevSecOps, and CI/CD technologies.
• Track record in building technical proficiency through mentoring and talent development initiatives.
• Ability to communicate effectively through technical writing and presentations.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to corporate or customer locations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.

Qualifications

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in STEM or other technical discipline.
• 12 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering roles, especially related to DE.
• Experience in space domain modeling, simulation, and analysis.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale software development and integration projects.
• Direct experience with cloud, data, AI service providers and/or platforms.
• Direct experience with DoD, NNSA, or civil space missions and capabilities.
• Direct experience with data governance, metadata management, and ASOT principles.
• Direct experience with AI technologies and practices.
• Knowledge/experience with specific DOD, NNSA, or civil space digital environments.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to bridge technical and mission-focused stakeholders across multiple constituencies.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and ability to foster collaboration across multi-organizational teams.
• Current DoD TS and SSBI/SCI Clearance.

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $166,400.00 - $249,600.00 annually. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Benefits

• 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.

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. We seek individuals who:

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