Aerospace Engineer
 Analytical Mechanics Associates | |
$100,000-$125,000 for candidates available to support work on-site at NASA Ames.
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vision insurance, long term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
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 United States, California, Mountain View | |
 Feb 03, 2026 | |
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Job Description: AMA is accepting applications for a full-time on-site position at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. Work will be in support of the Asteroid Threat Assessment Project (ATAP) and Engineering Risk Assessment (ERA) team at NASA. The successful candidate will play an important role in developing physics-based probabilistic risk models and simulations for asteroid threat assessment, space missions, and aerospace systems. This position will support risk assessment evaluating the threat of to potential asteroid strikes on Earth. Responsibilities: NASA ARC is seeking support for asteroid threat assessment and engineering risk assessment projects, including: * Developing and applying asteroid impact risk models and physics-based models (atmospheric entry, fragmentation, damage, and orbital propagation) * Developing and maintaining risk model codes including architecture and algorithm development, porting models between codes, code documentation, and version control * Running large probabilistic simulations on supercomputing environments * Performing asteroid risk assessment studies, research, and analysis work to advance asteroid threat assessment capabilities * Model development involving numerical simulation results, code comparisons, parametric studies, fitting analytical/statistical models, and training machine learning/deep learning models * Researching new subjects in existing literature and data sources to develop new modeling approaches and solve complex problems * Producing high-quality publications, presentations, and reports of key studies and results * Collaboration with NASA scientists and engineers on planetary defense and risk assessment technologies The annual rate for this position is $100,000-$125,000 for candidates available to support work on-site at NASA Ames. Required Qualifications: * M.S. or Ph.D. in physical sciences, engineering, math, or computing discipline (aerospace engineering, aeronautics/astronautics, astrophysics, physics, astronomy, computer science, mathematics, or related fields) * At least 1-2 years of experience related to risk assessment, physics modeling, asteroids, data analysis, and/or system engineering * At least 1-2 years of experience with programming and analysis in C++, Python, MATLAB, and/or similar codes * Strong programming, physics modeling, and data analysis skills * Self-motivated with ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of an integrated team * Initiative and aptitude to independently research, learn, and expand upon new subjects * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required due to project requirements Preferred Qualifications: * Demonstrated expertise in probabilistic risk assessment methodologies * Knowledge of atmospheric entry modeling and aerodynamics * Experience with impact hazard modeling and numerical simulation * Hands-on experience with statistics and data visualization techniques * Knowledge of machine learning and deep learning applications * Experience with supercomputing systems and high-performance computing environments * Familiarity with space system design and system engineering principles Nice to Have: * Experience with asteroid detection, characterization, or mitigation strategies * Background in planetary defense research or related NASA missions * Publication record in peer-reviewed journals related to asteroids, risk assessment, or atmospheric entry * Experience with specific computational tools and frameworks for risk modeling * Familiarity with NASA standards and processes for risk assessment * Background in uncertainty quantification and validation methodologies * Knowledge of orbital mechanics and trajectory propagation * Experience with data analysis codes such as R or Julia 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 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. | |