Research Scientist – Physics Modeling and Simulation

Awetomaton is seeking a Research Scientist to support existing customers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. In this role you will work with a team of 6-8 enhancing and optimizing R&D algorithms to derive insights from raw and processed sensor data. You will be applying expertise in physics and aerodynamics to write software in Python using modern libraries and Software Engineering methodologies.

Active Top Secret security clearance required. The ideal candidate will possess a BS degree or higher in engineering or related field with 3-5 years of experience. This position will largely be performed from WPAFB. We are actively considering candidates for a September 2026 start date.

Criteria for success

• Communicate effectively in both written and verbal form with peers & decision makers
• Demonstrate initiative when faced with limited guidance or ambiguous requirements
• Expertise developing and applying physics modeling algorithms in Python
• Experienced in aerodynamic or aerothermal simulations
• Familiarity with algorithm deployment concepts including containerization and databases

Required Experience and Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Physics, Math, or Engineering discipline
• Three (3) years of minimum experience in modeling and simulation focused engineering career
• Three (3) years of minimum experience with vehicle aerodynamics in supersonic and hypersonic regimes
• One (1) year of minimum Python experience
• Mastery of software configuration management using Git

Desired Education and Experience

• Master of Science in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Engineering discipline
• Expertise developing modular, reusable software via strong Object-Oriented Software development practices
• Experience with Container Technology (Docker / podman / etc.)
• Experience following GitFlow and GitOps workflows using team repository (GitHub / Gitlab / etc.)

About Awetomaton

We build software that enables humans to make informed decisions from raw intel data, with a specialization in satellite collection. We are a Dayton-based defense startup that believes there is a critical skill & culture gap - one we are filling with high-output, mission focused engineering talent. Results matter to our customers. We've never lost a customer because we deliver what they need. Awetomaton is where you do work that matters with a passionate team in an environment that inspires your creativity.

Benefits

We provide industry leading benefits that balance your health & wellbeing today, as well as lay a solid financial future into retirement. Highlights of our benefit plan include:

• Flexible time off totaling 36 days / year. No approvals required.
• 100% 401k company match up to IRS annual limits. This is a benefit of up to $24,500 for 2026.
• Health plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield with Health Savings Account (HSA). We pay 95% of employee premiums including family plans.
• Employee favorite: Tech and Wellness reimbursement of $3000 / year. Treat yourself with the newest gadgets or athletic gear. No approvals required.
• Annual profit sharing as 401k contribution. No set percent and dependent on annual company performance. Benefit is above and beyond 401k match.
• MacBook laptop and well-equipped office spaces for optimal productivity in office and on-the-go.