Physics-based Machine Learning and Simulation Engineer - Columbia, United States - Integer Technologies LLC

Description

What We Do

Integer Technologies is an applied research and product development company founded by scientists and engineers with a passion for technology and national security. We perform R&D on next-generation systems and technologies for the Department of Defense (DoD) and other U.S. Government agencies, turning research into impactful products with military and commercial applications. Our core portfolio of research includes projects in power & energy systems, unmanned systems (with an emphasis on maritime systems), digital engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

Our Advanced Manufacturing portfolio supports the DoD's efforts to strengthen the advanced materials supply chain for aerospace and defense applications, develop and implement digital engineering tools, and bring physics-based solutions to difficult manufacturing challenges.

About the Role

The person in this role will be focused on translating traditional physics-based simulations (FEA, CFD, etc.) into physics-informed, reduced order modelling strategies for manufacturing systems with improved computational efficiency. Modeling approaches may include statistical methods, machine learning (ML), and physics-informed ML models. Models may be mechanical and thermal in nature and relevant outputs will inform defect prediction, design and process control parameters, and manufactured part quality.

The Physics-based Simulation and Machine Learning Engineer will work both individually and in concert with other engineers, subject-matter experts, and program management to develop suitable modeling strategies that can be used for advanced process control and decision making. This role will require close collaboration with multiple physical domain experts to represent their high-fidelity physical models, with robust, fast, reduced-order models for several customers across government and industry.

The successful candidate must demonstrate an attitude for growth, continuously expanding their knowledge and skill to remain on the cutting-edge. The candidate must be organized and detail oriented. This role may involve interacting with customers whose needs are constantly evolving and are sometimes difficult to articulate; thus, strong communication skills will also be beneficial.

Integer is a science and technology research and development organization. As such, much of our work entails developing solutions for complex problems that presently have no known solutions. To achieve internal and customer project goals all candidates must be able to perform research, understand new concepts from other engineering disciplines on advanced and complex topics, and document findings in a way that is easy for non-experts to understand.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop reduced-order and surrogate models of physical processes and phenomena to be used in process control, optimization, and decision making in manufacturing applications.
• Contribute to the development of mathematical models and computer simulations for multi-domain and multi-physics systems problems in manufacturing and materials processing systems.
• Assist with the development of modeling and simulation strategies that balance speed, cost, and value of alternative approaches depending on system and project objectives.
• Engage with partners and customers to understand customer or user needs and elicit project requirements.
• Work collaboratively with software engineering and business development team members to develop new products and services using modeling and simulation tools and insights derived from their application.

Core Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, computer science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or similar technical discipline.
• Relevant experience to the position, such as post-doctoral or research laboratory roles, and a proven track record of publications
• Skilled in data analysis, statistics, and visualization, especially on large datasets.
• Data management skills including efficient data storage, preprocessing, creation of training and testing data sets, etc.
• Experience with various deep learning and neural network architectures (e.g., graph neural networks, autoencoders, generative adversarial networks, etc.)
• Knowledge of key approaches for embedding physics in AI/ML models, especially neural operators, physics-informed neural networks, hybrid modeling, and regularization techniques.
• Experience in using AI/ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Flux, or similar) on HPC systems. Experience with SLURM workload manager is a plus.
• Ability to utilize the Linux environment, comfortable on a command line, proficiency with source code control and branching strategies with Git, understanding of remote VPN connections as related to latency for distributed computing, and tradeoffs related to performance of storage vs compute for speed of code execution.
• U.S. citizenship. Must have the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret security clearance that requires U.S. citizenship. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• A graduate degree (Masters/PhD) in material science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or similar technical discipline. A record of relevant industry experience, technical leadership, publications, or other recognitions for expertise may substitute for an advanced degree.
• Deep technical knowledge of simulation solver technologies, numerical analysis, and deep learning methods. Experience with coding GPUs (CUDA) is a bonus.
• Technical knowledge of optimization algorithms and approaches.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, C++, Java).
• Experience working in and advanced manufacturing environment or developing tools and applications for manufacturing processes, including Digital Twins and Digital Threads.
• Familiarity with machine control systems including sensing, communication, and system level controls for electric plants, machinery, and electromechanical systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency of at least one computer modeling & simulation environment, such as: Multiphysics, Abaqus, Ansys, COMSOL Multiphysics

Company Benefits

• Integer fully covers medical, prescription, vision, and dental insurance costs for the employee and dependents. Meaning Integer standard plan pays 100% of health insurance premiums for your entire family from a well-known national insurer, saving its employee's thousands of dollars annually.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Base salaries which exceed local & national industry averages.
• Year-end performance-based bonuses.
• Hybrid schedule: employees may choose to work from home Mondays and Fridays
• 401(k) with company matching that vest immediately; no funny business.
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays

Company Perks

• Startup culture with the stability of a large company. Integer's business plan has years of time phased contracted work, alleviating the would-be risk from a traditional small company.
• Direct access to company leadership, prioritization of people over process, and a stellar team with a shared desire for personal and professional growth.
• Friendly atmosphere where people enjoy not only their work and what they're creating but enjoy helping each other as well.
• Bottomless Coffee