Research Engineer/Scientist

DESCRIPTION: Acima is supporting government efforts to develop next generation systems for managing our national airspace that ensure operational safety. As more people rely on air transportation the demand for efficient air and ground systems grows proportionally. New types of aircraft (such as drones, personal air vehicles and electric aircraft) are being introduced to the system adding complexity and a demand for new air and ground services. The solutions Acima helps to develop must be safe, cost effective, environmentally responsive, reduce the potential for delays, and provide the services the traveling public demand. Our Research Engineers access large data repositories of actual flight, weather, navigation, geographic, and airport operational data that are updated daily. The goal is to analyze air traffic management solutions that employ advanced autonomy and software and test them using analytics, machine learning methods, and simulations built upon these data. Your Responsibilities: You will work as a key member of a highly skilled collaborative research team. This requires the ability to bring forward innovative concepts and apply diverse skills to research feasibility and demonstrate results. Since these are research positions, you must be able to carefully structure your work and present results to peers and in open forums. You will be responsible for:

• Performing research into future advanced air traffic management concepts and methods
• Creating analytical methods to examine various advanced software and automation concepts designed to improve air traffic management capabilities
• Developing models, algorithms, machine learning methods, and optimization routines to analyze new concepts
• Working independently and being a self-starter while also participating effectively as part of a close-knit research team
• Working closely with government leaders to plan and execute your research by understanding requirements, creating research plans, measuring and reporting progress using performance metrics, meeting schedule and milestones targets, and delivering research products that meet a very high-quality standard
• Directing support personnel to complete research objectives
• Presenting, as a principle author, briefings, seminars and conference papers to explain the results of your research
• Organizational management of logistics processes including the development of procedures and work instructions for personnel training, facility security, and the assurance of employee health and safety;

Required Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of domain experience in areas such as aircraft flight control, flight modeling and simulation, route optimization, air traffic control systems, or aircraft flight dynamics
• Knowledge of research tools and practices; specifically, knowledge of data mining and machine learning
• Expertise with algorithm development, modeling and simulation, computational methods, and numerical analysis
• Strong background using software tools in a research setting; specifically:
• MATLAB and Python for script development
• Statistical analysis using Python, R, MATLAB
• Unix/Linux and Windows platforms
• Record of research publication that demonstrates experience presenting the results of analyses and effective written communication
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team with diverse backgrounds and skillsets

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Expertise with big data architectures
• Use of Hadoop, Oracle, SQL, Spark

Work Environment: You will work with aeronautical researchers and simulation developers in an office setting and in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. The work is engaging, fast-paced, and highly rewarding. Some travel will be required. Education: M.S. degree in Operations Research, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science or similar degree from an accredited institution preferred. LOCATIONS: Washington, DC; San Francisco, CA; Oklahoma City, OK TYPE OF JOB: Full Time BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: NACI