Part-time GPU Computing Specialist - LAVA CFD Team

Job Description:Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is seeking a skilled and experienced Part-time 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 Speceflight 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.Primary ResponsibilitiesContribute to GPU optimization efforts for the LAVA Cartesian solver, focusing on MPI/C++/CUDA implementationSupport enhancement of Wall-Modeled Large Eddy Simulation (WMLES) capabilitiesImplement and optimize new features for the adaptive mesh refinement frameworkAssist with hybrid parallelization strategies using MPI, CUDA, and OpenMPHelp identify and resolve performance bottlenecks in computational workflowsCreate comprehensive technical documentation for code modifications and new featuresAssist users with software issues as we release the LAVA code to the broader communityCollaborate with multidisciplinary scientific teams to address complex aerospace CFD problemsSupport simulation deployment across various computing environments, from workstations to supercomputersRequired QualificationsAdvanced degree in Computational Sciences or related fieldExperience with CUDA programming and GPU architecture optimizationKnowledge of detailed CUDA optimization techniques (occupancy, registers, memory layout, etc.), and profilers (ncu and nsys)Strong C++ programming skills with experience in performance-critical applicationsWorking knowledge of MPI and OpenMP parallel programming modelsDemonstrated ability to optimize scientific computing applicationsCandidates must have current U.S. work authorization. While preference is given to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, we also welcome applications from individuals holding valid U.S. work visas (such as OPT, CPT, or other permissible categories).Preferred QualificationsBackground in computational fluid dynamics or related scientific computing fieldsKnowledge of GPU computing on NVIDIA HPC architectures (eg A100, GH200)Experience with octree data structures and Cartesian AMR algorithmsExperience working in diverse computing environments from workstations to HPC systemsNice to HaveKnowledge and experience with ray tracing libraries (OptiX, OWL, Embree, etc.) for immersed boundary geometry queriesKnowledge of FEM structural dynamics for fluid-structure interaction simulationsExperience with performance portability layersExperience with non-NVIDIA GPU accelerators (AMD, Intel, etc.)Familiarity with cross-platform GPU developmentFamiliarity with low-dissipation numerics for computational fluid dynamicsExperience with multi-phase or multi-physics simulationsBackground in aerospace applications, particularly:Launch environment modelingParachute/entry system dynamicsAerodynamic simulations of aircraftProject ContextThe 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 programEntry system modeling, particularly parachute decelerator dynamics using FSIScale-resolving Wall-Modeled Large Eddy Simulation for aeronautical applicationsThis 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.Salary range: $125k-$165k DOE - this is a part-time roleAnalytical 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 www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.