Engineer I - Computational Laser Researcher

Job Description
SHIP REQUIRED

We are currently recruiting for emerging professionals to join our high-fidelity physics-based modeling and simulation (M&S) group within the Advanced Laser Technologies and Applications (ALTA) business area located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The ALTA business area is a Science and Technology (S&T) - based group focused on conducting research and demonstrations through analytical studies, modeling and simulation, and indoor/outdoor laboratory tests and typically aligned with Air Force 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 activities. ALTA is primarily known for its high energy laser (HEL) effects research and expanding role into laser development and system demonstrations associated with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Directed Energy directorate.

The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.

What You'll Do:

• Utilize existing numerical models to study the effects high energy laser irradiation against metals and composites under static and aerodynamic airflow.
• Develop model enhancements and subroutines if necessary to better quantify the effects of laser irradiation.
• Perform engineering analysis as necessary to check more detailed simulation results.
• Compare predictive models with experimental results and specify experimental requirements.
• Develop and analyze simulations of physical and nonlinear processes occurring during laser irradiation. Problems typically involve multi-physics phenomenology requiring advanced numerical methods (e.g., FEM, FVM, and FD). Examples of these coupled models include mechanical, fluid dynamics, energy-state kinetics, optical wave propagation, and plasma generation.
• Work closely with experimental teams to validate the capabilities of computational models at each step in the research process.
• Lead research efforts in coordination with larger team or project goals.
• Examine model performance by verification against analytic equations and other codes, uncertainty quantification, sensitivity analysis, numerical optimization, and mesh analysis.
• Guide research efforts with design evaluation and extrapolation of model parameters to new regions of interest.
• If required, develop new or improve existing models to simulate observed physical processes.
• Assist in the development of project plans.
• Present results at regular meetings and project reviews with customers.
• Support other affiliated researchers by providing computational technical resources to effectively meet their project goals which typically involve a combination of experimental and analytical activities.
• Facilitate synergy amongst M&S projects to improve overall products.
• Oversee the development, maintenance and improvement of computational tools, data bases, methodologies used by the group.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with current and new customers (both government and industry).
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company.
• Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
• May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
• May access other facilities in various weather conditions. Interact with customers frequently.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 2 or more years related experience.
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Solid organizational and coordination skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Motivated and desire to learn new or adjacent skills.

A security clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Advanced degree in Science, Engineering, or related technical field is preferred.
• Education or experience in computational physics and science relatable to laser physics, heat transfer and structural mechanics is preferred.
• Ability to read published journal articles, translate mathematical into numerical models and implement numerical models using FEM or FV is preferred.
• Experience in programing languages, e.g., Python, MatLab, C++ and ForTran, and Linux OS is preferred.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $87000 - $108000

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for the U.S. Intelligence, Department of Defense and scientific communities. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.