About this position
Overview
We are seeking a Senior Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineer to support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in advanced Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction (C-WMD) research and analysis. This role supports high-fidelity computational modeling, simulation, and data analysis related to weapons effects, structural response, blast dynamics, and post-defeat assessments using HPC environments.
The position supports government-sponsored R&D programs focused on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High Explosive (CBRNE) threats.
Key Responsibilities
Computational Modeling & Simulation
- Perform high-fidelity computational analyses using:
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
- Computational Structural Dynamics (CSD)
- Computational Thermal Dynamics (CTD)
- Coupled CFD-CSD / CFD-CSD-CTD models
- Model weapon effects phenomenology, including:
- Blast, fragmentation, cratering, breaching
- Ground shock and structural response (above and below ground)
- Dust, debris, and agent transport
- Secondary detonation effects
- Conduct end-to-end weapon-target interaction modeling for WMD storage, transport, and defeat scenarios.
Advanced Analytics & HPC
- Leverage DoD High Performance Computing (HPC) systems for large-scale simulations.
- Optimize, port, and modernize high-fidelity modeling tools to new HPC architectures (CPU/GPU, distributed memory).
- Support fast-running model (FRM) development and integration into decision support tools.
- Apply machine learning (ML) techniques for:
- Uncertainty Quantification (UQ)
- Parameter studies
- Reduced-order model development
Verification, Validation & Documentation
- Conduct Verification & Validation (V&V) activities and support model accreditation.
- Produce:
- Technical reports
- Validation and verification documentation
- Scientific journal articles and conference presentations (subject to DTRA review and release)
- Support diagnostics development, field test planning, and post-test data analysis.
Program Support
- Participate in government meetings, test planning reviews, and technical briefings.
- Support forensic assessments of terrorist or explosive events when required.
- Collaborate closely with DTRA-designated technical teams and government stakeholders.
Salary Information
$80000 - $190000
Annual Salary
Requirements
Education
- Master’s or PhD in one of the following fields (PhD strongly preferred):
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Applied Physics
- Computational Science or a closely related discipline
Technical Experience
- Demonstrated experience with high-fidelity physics-based modeling
- Strong background in one or more of the following:
- CFD / CSD / CTD
- Finite Element Methods (FEM)
- Shock physics
- Structural dynamics
- Multiphase flow and combustion modeling
- Experience working in HPC environments
- Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., C++, Fortran, Python)
- Experience with uncertainty quantification (UQ) and parameter studies
Security Requirements
- Active DoD Secret Clearance
Location & Work Environment
- Primary Location: Contractor facility
- Additional Locations: Occasional meetings at government and commercial facilities
- Remote/Hybrid: May be permitted depending on tasking and clearance requirements
Travel Requirements
- Occasional travel required
Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)
- Experience supporting DTRA, DoD labs, or national security programs
- Familiarity with WMD defeat concepts, BDA, or vulnerability assessments
- Experience integrating models into Decision Support Tools (DSTs)
- Prior work supporting classified modeling programs
Employment Type
- Full-time
- W-2 or 1099