Aeronautics Cost Modeling Research Engineer

Job Description:

Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc., (AMA) is seeking a multi-disciplinary aerospace engineer to support aircraft life cycle cost estimation studies in the Aeronautics Systems Analysis Branch at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. Under the NASA Advanced Air Transport Technology (AATT) Project, we seek to understand and assess at the vehicle system-level, the combined effects of new sub-systems, advanced technology applications, economics, and novel configuration layouts of studied aircraft concepts, using computational tools that capture complex and cascading multi-disciplinary design interactions. Researchers bring their individual blend of discipline-specific expertise in aerodynamics, structures, flight dynamics, mathematics, propulsion, and computational fluid dynamics; our current need is for an engineer with experience in aircraft cost modeling and estimation.

Specific aspects of this role include advancing and continuing the development of PITRS, a Python-based utility for estimating life-cycle costs of current and advanced technology subsonic aircraft concepts. The software analysis methodology is based on identifying and modeling Cost Estimation Relationships (CER’s) that can be added to PITRS to allow for rapidly determining costs associated with various envisioned airframes, con-ops scenarios, and technology maturation forecasts. Lifecycle costs associated with aircraft development, production, operation, and disposal affect the profitability (direct operating costs plus interest) and therefore the viability of new aircraft designs; so, it important to consider these factors in the early stages of the design process. The tool development and version control progress will adhere to protocols set by an existing Model Based Systems Analysis and Engineering (MBSA&E) framework. PTIRS modifications will remain compatible with Aviary, a NASA-developed aircraft analysis tool that leverages the OpenMDAO optimization framework.

Responsibilities:

• Support continued development of the Python-based PITRS tool for aircraft life-cycle cost estimation, by improving the accuracy through increased fidelity, adding new capabilities, and integrating the tool with new and existing analysis frameworks.

• Define cost estimating relationships based on  aircraft design specifications, configuration layouts, and concepts of operations.

• Report progress and document code as required and in the specified repositories.

• Interface with the development teams to ensure integration of PITRS with the design process and the MBSA&E and Aviary OpenMDAO frameworks.

• Collaborate with the aircraft analysis team to complete concept-specific cost estimation analyses and ensure cost tool design usability.

• Support multi-disciplinary design optimization and tool development for applications to subsonic aircraft that provide research teams with tool suites for vehicle sizing and performance, geometry model development, analysis tool modification, technology trade studies, and other research dependent concerns.

• Utilize variable fidelity tools as appropriate, properly formulate and incorporate model parameter corrections, simplifications, and design assumptions.

• Report development progress and results as directed.

Required Experience:                                                                                                 

• B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering (preferred), or related Technical Discipline.

• 5 years’ relevant experience in aeronautics field.

• Cost modeling and analysis experience.

• Experience in Python code development. Experience utilizing version control systems (Git).

• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office products, especially Microsoft Teams.

• Positive, curious, an enthusiasm for aviation, and able to work independently and in small teams.

• Knowledge and experience that relates to aircraft design, aircraft system design, aircraft manufacturing, aircraft operations.

Desired Experience

• Experience with analysis tools and design frameworks such as FLOPS/Aviary (performance, sizing); OpenVSP3 and ESP (geometry); ModelCenter.

• Experience in aeronautical engineering that imparts a level of expertise sufficient for creating, modifying, and executing multi-disciplinary design and analysis models.

• Familiarity with any other coding/scripting languages (MATLAB, VBScript, JavaScript).

• Piloting experience and aviation interests.

Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

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 committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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.