Research Scientist
Are you passionate about space, the Moon, and expanding humanity’s reach beyond Earth? Outward Technologies is leading the development of simulation software for lunar surface operations to support the development of NASA’s Moon Base and to establish permanent infrastructure on the Moon. Join us today in a fast-paced environment as we explore the best ways of exploring, living, and working on the Moon to create new supply chains derived from lunar resources. Take control of your career in this engineering startup and become a pioneer in the burgeoning industry of lunar surface mobility, construction, and resource extraction.
To conform to U.S. Government aerospace technology export regulations (ITAR and EAR), applicant must have permanent authorization to work in the United States. Outward Technologies is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Research Scientist with demonstrated experience developing multiphysics software and numerical models of granular media and/or discrete or particle-based systems. One of the primary roles of this position will be to develop computationally efficient methods for simulating soil-wheel interactions under dynamic conditions using Discrete Element Method (DEM) and coupled continuum models (e.g. FEM, FDM). These tools will be used to study the next generation of large, fast-moving lunar terrain vehicles while utilizing these same modeling methods in internal company research, as well as for near-term commercialization opportunities for terrestrial applications. These efforts will build upon Outward Technologies’ core competencies in generating grain-based models of lunar soil to fit potentially complex material responses. Your time will be split with 80% dedicated to design, development, and testing of novel numerical modeling frameworks for simulating lunar surface operations, 15% of your time spent commercializing these tools for alternate applications, and 5% of your time writing government grant proposals.
Responsibilities Include:
· Generate dynamic soil mechanics models using LIGGGHTS Discrete Element Method (DEM), YADE DEM, continuum numerical methods including Finite Element Method (FEM), Python, and C++ to simulate and to study the micro-, meso-, and macroscopic behavior of soils and rock.
· Analyze and interpret experimental data obtained by laboratory experiment or relevant mission data of rovers and vehicles operating on the lunar surface. Integrate data from soil-wheel interactions into new numerical models. This includes exploring advanced constitutive relations and implementations involving dynamic, non-linear response.
· Optimize software performance to reduce computational time of these models including through techniques such as reduced order modeling, coupled continuum models, and general code improvements.
· Plan new projects involving multiphysics simulations of granular or composite materials.
· Write technical proposals for research and development projects on topics including terramechanics, heating of granular materials, cooling of granular materials, material phase change, additive manufacturing, and additive construction methods suitable for the Moon and other off-planet locations.
· Identify dual-use applications for the software under development in analoguous terrestrial industries such as oil & gas, drilling, mobility, mining, and renewable energy.
· Prepare and deliver technical documents, presentations, and reports internally within the company.
· Prepare and deliver technical documents, presentations, and reports to project stakeholders and funding agencies.
· Assist in the development of multiphysics models of surface construction and resource extraction on the Moon.
Required Education and Experience:
BS+5 years, M.S.+3 years, or PhD. degree +1 year in Engineering or other related fields; with demonstrated experience in the following:
· Developing multiphysics models incorporating granular materials or particle-based composites
· Developing physics-based numerical models using continuum and/or discrete numerical methods
· Using experimental data to calibrate the modeled response of discrete systems
Necessary Skills:
· Excellent oral and written communication skills
· Basic familiarity with Open-Source DEM, FEM, and/or CFD software such as LIGGGGHTS, YADE, OOFEM, and OpenFOAM.
· Basic familiarity with CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, Onshape, and Rhino.
· Basic familiarity with version control using GitHub.
· Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills
· Ability to meet the company and clients’ deadlines
· Collaborative work style with teams of scientists and engineers
· Ability to adapt proven engineering practices and methodologies in a lean team environment
Preferred Skills:
· Experience working on open-source software development projects
· Experience simulating complex fluid behavior using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
· Experience conducting laboratory experiments on soils
· Experience simulating dynamic response of materials
· Experience using cloud and high-performance computing systems
· Experience using LaTeX-based document generation
Estimated Salary Range:
$85,000 - $105,000
Job Type: Full-time
100% Remote Work (within the US) or in-person if desired (Broomfield, CO)
Highly competitive benefits package (health, dental, and vision)
Company equity options may be available
Flexible schedule
Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Stock options
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Remote
