Molecular Dynamics and Aerospace Engineer

About the role

You will support the client by tackling the challenges of contamination of spacecraft and other assets by modeling the complex interactions between dust particles, the space environment, and spacecraft. This involves developing and using advanced computational modeling tools and techniques. As a molecular dynamics and granular mechanics simulation engineer, you will develop particle-scale physics models that resolve contact mechanics, cohesion, and fragmentation across regolith and contaminant populations, with a focus on building MD or DEM frameworks capable of capturing wheel-regolith interactions. As a senior engineer, you will architect and implement computational approaches, guide strategy, and mentor junior staff.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in modeling and simulation of physical phenomena or systems using molecular dynamics (MD) or discrete element method (DEM)
• Experience developing MD or DEM simulation frameworks
• Experience developing and maintaining software to implement analytical and computational models
• Experience programming in Python or C++
• Experience in data processing and statistical techniques
• Experience with MD or DEM tools, such as LAMMPS, GROMACS, NAMD, or Ansys Rocky
• Experience writing technical documentation or scientific publications
• Ability to work in both a team and independent environment and take ownership of assigned tasks
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
• Master’s degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Physics, Computational Chemistry, Materials Science, or Biophysics

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience modeling plasma or dust-plasma coupling
• Experience coupling MD or DEM solvers to Eulerian computational fluid dynamics solvers
• Experience applying machine learning (ML) to solve engineering problems with modern ML frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
• Experience developing simulations using NVIDIA Warp or CUDA Python
• Experience working with Linux environments
• Experience producing original research and working with U.S. Government clients
• Experience with applications to granular mechanics
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Secret clearance
• Doctorate degree in Engineering or related field

Benefits

Booz Allen offers health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. A recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of company values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet this threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits.

Pay

Salary is determined by various factors, including location, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86,900.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD).

Schedule

This posting will close within 90 days from the posting date. The work model may be remote, hybrid, or onsite:

• Remote: Occasional in-person work at a Booz Allen or customer facility may be required.
• Hybrid: Frequent work from a Booz Allen facility is expected, along with potential visits to customer facilities.
• Onsite: Work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility.

Employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings to support engagement and effective communication.

Clearance

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.