Description

SAIC has need for a CAD Modeling and Simulation Engineer to support a rapidly expanding Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer with cutting-edge programs within the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA.

Note: The role offers a flexible work schedule, but we ask our team to be available for team meetings during core business hours (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.).

As the CAD Modeling and Simulation Engineer, you will provide technical expertise across a variety of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Modeling and Simulation (M&S) topics, including 3D modeling, design visualization, structural analysis, and simulation of system performance. You will also assist with Systems Engineering activities (e.g., requirements, configuration management, readiness, verification and validation, etc.) to ensure the effective integration of CAD models within broader simulation and analysis frameworks. As a trusted SETA, you are expected to deliver thoughtful recommendations and offer value-added insights to the customer on program objectives, cutting-edge design technologies, and system optimization.

Job Duties to include:

• Develop and maintain physics-based simulation models of spacecraft systems, including structures, sensors, and mission environments.
• Perform end-to-end performance modeling for satellite missions, integrating sensor, orbital, and environmental models.
• Create and modify CAD-based satellite geometries, including material property assignments for use in thermal, structural, and radar/optical signature analyses.
• Conduct sensor phenomenology studies, including optical, infrared, or radar modeling for detection, tracking, and signature analysis.
• Perform orbital mechanics modeling including orbit determination, orbital maneuvering, and spacecraft flight dynamics.
• Produce technically sound, actionable, and consistent deliverables aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives, particularly in the realm of CAD modeling and simulation.
• Use scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, or similar) to automate workflows, perform data analysis, and interface between simulation tools.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (systems engineering, GNC, payload, mission design) to ensure model fidelity and consistency.
• Generate technical documentation, simulation reports, and visualizations to communicate findings and support design decisions.
• Support trade studies and design reviews by providing modeling insights into performance impacts of design changes.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and five (5) years or more experience; Masters and three (3) years or more experience; PhD and 0 years related experience.
• Active Top Secret/SCI w/Poly Clearance.
• 3+ years of experience in modeling and simulation for aerospace or space systems.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, NX, or similar) including geometry creation and material property definition.
• Strong understanding of sensor phenomenology-such as optical, infrared, or radar systems and associated modeling methods.
• Intermediate Python programming experience, demonstrated through hands-on experience with tasks such as data manipulation, automation, and development of Python-based solutions. Experience with libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, pandas, and matplotlib is beneficial.
• Ability to communicate technical results clearly in written and verbal formats.