Freelance Research Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!
We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States.
We have an exciting opportunity for a HPC Research Software Engineer at Johnson Space Center (JSC) to join the team with our Engineering Directorate supporting the Flight Sciences Laboratory (FSL). This position is working on the Amentum JETSII contract. This position will focus on developing, deploying and optimizing software for use in the Flight Sciences Lab (FSL) and other NASA HPC resources.
The Flight Sciences Lab (FSL) is one of Johnson Space Centers primary HPC labs and hosts a wide variety of analyses, which support almost all the major programs at NASA including the International Space Station (ISS), Orion, Space Launch System (SLS), Commercial Crew Program, Moon Base, Human Landing System (HLS), and many others. The FSL systems are currently comprised of over 800 nodes, 26,000 cores, and 10 PB of storage, which serve over 1000 users.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Partner with FSL Users to evaluate and optimize the software development practices of the group, and ensure success of the project.
• Participate in the planning and major development efforts on software engineering projects for flight software, Guidance and Navigation, and analysis.
• Work closely with partners and external contractors to meet their software requirements and address bugs.
• Act as a mentor for good software development and engineering in HPC environments.

Requisition Qualifications:
This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

• Typically requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Engineering and normally possess 5- 10 years of related experience. License and certification may be required.
• A minimum of a BS degree in computer science or engineering and 4+ years of software engineering experience outside of degree.
• Experience programming in multiple programming languages, including compiled and interpreted languages, and the use of build systems like GNU Make.
• Demonstrated Experience with version control (Git), containers, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD).
• The ability to work on a team in a dynamic group environment.
• Experience helping other users in HPC services.
• Demonstrated problem-solving experience.
• Demonstrated task planning, and effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience working daily in a Linux OS, including using a command line interface (CLI).

Requisition Preferences:

• 6+ years of experience in addition to the degree.
• Experience developing software for use in HPC environments.
• Experience with Monte Carlo type workflows and optimizing them for use in HPC environments.
• Experience with Trick based simulation workflows, and related toolsets.
• Experience with modern software practices such as test-driven development, Agile software development practices, the use of generative AI coding assistants, and a firm, proven knowledge of software development lifecycles.
• Experience integrating C++, Fortran, Python, and shell-based workflows in HPC or simulation environments.
• Demonstrated Experience with MPI based workflows.
• Activity within the broader open-source software community.
• Demonstrated Experience with Podman and HPC environments
• Demonstrated Experience with Gitlab and Jenkins tools.

Why Join Our Team?
In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also have:

• Excellent personal and professional career growth
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
• Much, much more!

For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit www.wehavespaceforyou.com

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

Essential Functions
Work Environment
Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
Physical Requirements
Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).
Equipment and Machines
Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).
Attendance
Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.
Other Essential Functions
Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.
#JETS #JETSII
Compensation Details:
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The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
07/16/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.