Job Title
Risk Assessment Engineer
Location
MOFFETT FIELD, CA 94035 US (Primary)
Category
Engineering, General Laborer
Job Type
Full-Time
Compensation Minimum (USD)
$100,000
Compensation Maximum (USD)
$120,000
Education
Master's Degree
Minimum Citizenship Status Required
U.S Citizen or Permanent Resident
Security Clearance Required
None
Job Description
The Engineering Risk Assessment (ERA) team at NASA Ames Research Center develops physics-based probabilistic risk models and simulations for NASA's Asteroid Threat Assessment Project (ATAP), space missions, and aerospace systems. In particular, the team performs risk assessment evaluating the threat due to potential asteroid strikes on Earth, and system risk assessments supporting the development of next-generation launch vehicles and space exploration missions. This position will help to develop risk models and perform risk assessment studies in support of NASA's Asteroid Threat Assessment Project and Engineering Risk Assessment team. Primary work will support asteroid impact risk assessment for ATAP, with potential future projects supporting system risk modeling for the ERA team.
Core tasks and skills include:
- Developing and applying asteroid impact risk models and physics-based models (such as probabilistic risk, atmospheric entry, fragmentation, damage, or orbital propagation models).
- 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 generating or using numerical simulation results, code comparisons, parametric studies, fitting analytical/statistical models, or training machine learning/deep learning models on result datasets.
- Strong programming, statistics, and data analysis skills.
- Researching new subjects in existing literature or data sources and expanding that knowledge to develop new modeling approaches and solve new problems.
- Producing high-quality publications, presentations, and reports of key studies and results.
Job Requirements
The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a physical sciences, engineering, math, or computing discipline. Candidates must have strong programming, physics modeling, and/or data analysis skills in Python, C++, and data analysis codes such as Matlab or R. Knowledge and experience in subjects related to probabilistic risk assessment, asteroids, atmospheric entry modeling, aerodynamics, impact hazard modeling, numerical simulation, data analysis, statistics, data visualization, machine learning, use of supercomputing systems, space system design, or system engineering is desired.
Candidates must be self-motivated and able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of an integrated team. Candidates should have the initiative and aptitude to independently research, learn, and expand upon new subjects to grow team knowledge and capabilities. Strong written and oral communication skills are required to produce quality journal publications, conference presentations, and reports. This position is restricted to US citizens and US permanent residents.
Education Requirements:
Advanced degree (M.S or Ph.D.) in a physical sciences, engineering, math, or computing discipline (aerospace engineering, aeronautics/astronautics, astrophysics, physics, astronomy, computer science, math, or similar related subjects). Research or work experience in the desired fields mentioned above is also a plus.
Experience Requirements:
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 other similar codes.
We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.