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.

• 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.
  

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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
  

• Active DoD Secret Clearance

• Primary Location: Contractor facility
• Additional Locations: Occasional meetings at government and commercial facilities
• Remote/Hybrid: May be permitted depending on tasking and clearance requirements

• Occasional travel required

• 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

• Full-time
• W-2 or 1099