Modeling Research Collaborator – ECLSS

This part-time research collaboration for an Alabama Space Grant Consortium Graduate Fellow will explore the application of Chemical Reactor Networks (CRN) as an alternative modeling approach for Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) subsystems at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Initial focus will be on the Four Bed Carbon Dioxide Scrubber (4BCO2) simulation.

The collaborator will work under the mentorship of the Modeling & Simulation Tech Fellow. This opportunity supports the fellow’s ASGC requirement while providing exposure to air-side ECLSS modeling and potential contributions to dissertation work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review the existing 4BCO2 simulation model developed at ES62.

• Investigate and apply Chemical Reactor Network (CRN) methods to model key aspects of the 4BCO2 or related ECLSS subsystems.

• Assess advantages, limitations, and benefits of CRN approaches versus current simulation methods.

• Document modeling work, results, and findings in technical notes or reports.

• Participate in technical discussions with the ECLSS Modeling & Simulation team.

• Maintain regular communication with the mentor and meet agreed milestones.

Required Qualifications:

• Current Ph.D. candidate in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field at an Alabama Space Grant Consortium university.

• Strong background in computational modeling, simulation, or multi-physics analysis.

• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, COMSOL, Python, or similar tools.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired:

• Familiarity with Chemical Reactor Networks, reaction modeling, or adsorption systems.

• Prior knowledge of ECLSS technologies, fluid/thermal systems, or spacecraft environmental control.

• Hands-on experience with laboratory testing or hardware-related modeling.

Position Details

• Duration: Summer 2026 and potentially extending to FY27.

• Time Commitment: Part-time, approximately 16–24 hours per week, flexible to accommodate graduate research duties.

• Location: Primarily semi-remote with limited on-site work at Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL.

Essential Functions

Work Environment: 

General office and occasional laboratory setting. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (<5%).  

Physical Requirements: 

Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (80%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and other facilities (10%). 

Equipment and Machines: 

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).

Attendance: 

Regular attendance is a necessity to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

Other Essential Functions: 

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.  Valid driver’s license and successful completion of company defensive driving training (if on-site work occurs).

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

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Compensation Details:

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

• Educational reimbursement

• Parental leave

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tax-saving options

• Disability and life insurance

• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

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