Scientist/Engineer III

Join our team as an economist with NIST. This role involves developing sophisticated agent-based models (ABM) to analyze complex systems and infrastructure performance, with particular focus on communications systems and emergency response scenarios. The position requires expertise in economic modeling, data analysis, and system simulation using Python and the MESA ABM framework to create realistic models of human and technological agents within dynamic operating environments. The economist will collaborate closely with NIST personnel to design, implement, and validate simulation models that can inform policy decisions and system improvements. This work supports critical national infrastructure analysis by modeling real-world scenarios such as flood evacuations, emergency communications, and smart city operations. The position combines technical modeling skills with economic analysis to assess technology value and communication infrastructure effectiveness.

FWI has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post in 2024 and 2025, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location:

Remote: This full-time remote position will work Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM with travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement agent-based models using Python's MESA framework to simulate complex systems including human agents (general public, first responders, authorities) and technological agents (sensors, user equipment, autonomous systems)
• Design realistic operating environments incorporating geographic data, digital elevation models, road networks, built environment footprints, and dynamic weather conditions
• Integrate agents and environments into discrete time-step simulations with appropriate synchronization between agent actions and environmental updates
• Define and execute comprehensive simulation experiments using benchmark scenarios based on well-documented historical events for model validation
• Configure and run multiple simulation iterations to generate performance surfaces and analyze system behavior under various communications systems and operating conditions
• Prepare detailed technical documentation describing ABM methodology, simulation setup, test procedures, and analytical results using MS Word or LaTeX
• Conduct weekly collaboration meetings with NIST personnel and participate in IoT group meetings to coordinate with broader research initiatives
• Travel to NIST Gaithersburg campus for in-person presentations and demonstrations of advanced deliverables
  Perform economic analysis to assess the value of technology and communication infrastructure improvements
• Generate monthly progress reports documenting activities, completed deliverables, outstanding work, and any project delays
• Maintain compliance with NIST health and safety training requirements and HSPD-12 credential requirements

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Economics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 4 years of experience in modeling complex systems, data analysis, and assessing the value of technology and communication infrastructure
• Proficiency in Python programming, particularly with data science libraries and simulation frameworks
• Experience with agent-based modeling concepts and methodologies
• Strong background in economic modeling and infrastructure analysis
• Knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis
• Experience with statistical software packages (Stata, MATLAB, R)
• Excellent technical writing skills for documentation and report preparation
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status required for security clearance eligibility

Desired:

• Ph.D. in Economics, Systems Engineering, or related quantitative field
• Previous experience supporting NIST or other federal agencies
• Experience with smart grid analysis, community resilience modeling, or emergency response systems
• Proficiency with containerization technologies (Docker, Podman) for model deployment
• Knowledge of flood modeling, natural hazard analysis, or disaster response systems
• Experience with LaTeX document preparation and Adobe Creative Suite
• Background in stakeholder engagement and presentation of technical findings to diverse audiences
• Familiarity with open-source modeling tools and co-simulation pipelines

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Pay Range (Compensation will be determined based on the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors)

$ 150,000.00 - $ 152,000.00 /Yr.