Entry Level Data Scientist Jobs in Athens, AL (NOW HIRING)

Aviation & Missile Solutions, LLC. (AMS) is seeking a talented Software Developer with a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related STEM discipline to join our diverse team, in Huntsville, AL., to create unique solutions for complex problems. AMS provides responsive, cost-effective engineering and scientific solutions ranging from air and missile defense technologies, command and control, radar systems, seekers, modeling & simulation, and prototype hardware development and testing.

Position Description:

The Software Engineer performing this role works alongside senior engineering staff and domain experts to develop, maintain, and test high-fidelity, physics-based simulation models for the US Army radar systems.

In this entry-level role, you will receive direct mentorship while writing modern C++ software, learning GPU acceleration (CUDA), running simulation test suites, and integrating digital models into real-time Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) testbeds within the Government System Integration Lab (GSIL) and faster-than-real-time cluster execution environments (IAMDSIM). This position provides a strong growth trajectory in defense software engineering, high-performance computing, and radar signal processing.

Essential Duties/ Responsibilities:

• Software Development & Maintenance: Under mentorship, design, implement, and maintain modular C++ source code for radar subsystem models (transmitters, receivers, signal processing, and environmental effects). Refactor and optimize existing algorithms for human readability, maintainability, and native Linux execution.
• Integration & Testing Support: Support the execution of digital M&S models in both real-time HWIL and discrete event digital simulation frameworks. Execute pre-test simulation runs to verify test plans, target geometry, and tactical software builds prior to field testing.
• Data Analysis & Verification: Process and visualize simulation output data to assist in comparing model performance against empirical field test data.

Location:

• Huntsville, AL
• Position is full-time in the office.

Basic Qualifications (required):

• Proficiency in C++ (C++11 or newer) gained through coursework, academic projects, research, or internships.
• Solid understanding of core computer science fundamentals: data structures, algorithms, object-oriented design, and software debugging.
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix operating system environments (RHEL, Rocky Linux, Ubuntu, or CentOS).
• Basic understanding of Git version control operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for collaborating in a team environment.
• United States Citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.
• Resident of the Huntsville, AL area or be willing to relocate.

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

• Coursework or project experience in parallel computing or GPU programming concepts (e.g., NVIDIA CUDA, OpenMP, or multi-threading).
• Coursework or academic projects involving digital signal processing, linear algebra, electromagnetics, physics simulations, or numerical methods.
• Familiarity with build systems (e.g., CMake) or dependency management tools (e.g., Conan).
• Exposure to Python or bash scripting for automated testing and data visualization.
• An active DoD Secret Security Clearance.

Required Education and Experience:

• Candidate must possess a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related STEM discipline from ABET accredited university.
• Experience: 0 to 2 years of professional or technical software engineering experience. Recent college graduates and entry-level candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• GPA must be 3.5+.

Travel Requirements:

• Must be able to travel up to 5% of the year.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on computers, monitors, and development workstations.
• Must be able to lift and move standard computer hardware and lab equipment up to 20 lbs during lab configuration or equipment maintenance.
• Ability to perform duties in standard office, closed-area facility, and software integration laboratory environments.

Security Requirements:

• Citizenship: Candidate must be a US only citizen.
• Clearance level: possess (and be able to maintain) a DoD SECRET Clearance or meet the eligibility to obtain (and maintain) a DoD SECRET SECRET Clearance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.