GPU Computing Specialist-MPI/C++/CUDA

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is seeking a skilled and experienced GPU Computing Specialist to support the Launch Ascent and Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA) team within the Computational Aerosciences Branch (TNA) at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) under the Aircraft Systems and Spaceflight Engineering Support Servies (ASSESS) contract. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing GPU acceleration, performance optimization, and feature development of the LAVA CFD solver suite — a high-performance computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver framework used in mission-critical aerospace simulations.

*This is a hybrid role

Salary range: $135 – $160k

Primary Responsibilities

Contribute to GPU optimization efforts for the LAVA Cartesian solver, focusing on MPI/C++/CUDA implementation

Support enhancement of Wall-Modeled Large Eddy Simulation (WMLES) capabilities

Implement and optimize new features for the adaptive mesh refinement framework

Assist with hybrid parallelization strategies using MPI, CUDA, and OpenMP

Help identify and resolve performance bottlenecks in computational workflows

Create comprehensive technical documentation for code modifications and new features

Assist users with software issues as we release the LAVA code to the broader community

Collaborate with multidisciplinary scientific teams to address complex aerospace CFD problems

Support simulation deployment across various computing environments, from workstations to supercomputers

Required Qualifications

Advanced degree in Computational Sciences or related field

Experience with CUDA programming and GPU architecture optimization

Knowledge of detailed CUDA optimization techniques (occupancy, registers, memory layout, etc.), and profilers (ncu and nsys)

Strong C++ programming skills with experience in performance-critical applications

Working knowledge of MPI and OpenMP parallel programming models

Demonstrated ability to optimize scientific computing applications

Preferred Qualifications

Background in computational fluid dynamics or related scientific computing fields

Knowledge of GPU computing on NVIDIA HPC architectures (eg A100, GH200)

Experience with octree data structures and AMR algorithms

Experience working in diverse computing environments from workstations to HPC systems

Nice to Have

Knowledge and experience with ray tracing libraries (OptiX, OWL, Embree, etc.) for immersed boundary geometry queries

Knowledge of FEM structural dynamics for fluid-structure interaction simulations

Experience with performance portability layers

Experience with non-NVIDIA GPU accelerators (AMD, Intel, etc.)

Familiarity with cross-platform GPU development

Familiarity with low-dissipation numerics for computational fluid dynamics

Experience with multi-phase or multi-physics simulations

Background in aerospace applications, particularly:

Launch environment modeling

Parachute/entry system dynamics

Aerodynamic simulations of aircraft

Project Context

The successful candidate will join NASA's LAVA team as a contractor, working on software that has been applied to mission-critical problems including:

Launch environment simulations for the Artemis program

Entry system modeling, particularly parachute decelerator dynamics using FSI

Scale-resolving Wall-Modeled Large Eddy Simulation for aeronautical applications

This position offers the opportunity to advance cutting-edge GPU computing methodologies within a framework that directly impacts NASA's spaceflight and aeronautics missions. The LAVA code is run on a range of compute environments from workstations to supercomputers, requiring flexibility and expertise in various deployment scenarios.

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.

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