Senior Software Engineer, Spacecraft Simulation

Description

The company works on space superiority, building autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software and space-based interceptors for the U.S. and its Allies.

Space is treated as a warfighting domain, and the team builds the technology used to secure it.

The team is building a simulation infrastructure for spacecraft, constellations and multi-physics, high-fidelity modeling.

The role sits in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team where software connects military objectives, physics and the control of spacecraft and ground systems.

Responsibilities

• Build multi-physics simulation software covering spacecraft subsystems: 6DOF rigid body dynamics (gravity gradient, solar radiation pressure, atmospheric drag, magnetic torques, third-body effects), thermal modeling, attitude dynamics and control, chemical and electric propulsion, power generation and storage, and high-fidelity models of reaction wheels, CMGs, star trackers, gyros and magnetometers.
• Write coupled physics algorithms that capture interactions such as thermal-structural, power-thermal and propulsion-dynamics.
• Design time-stepping methods, solver architectures and integration schemes for real-time and faster-than-real-time simulation.
• Write production-quality C++ that performs well and is easy to maintain and test.
• Design and maintain stable C++ and Python APIs for internal users across the organization, keeping them usable, fast and backward-compatible with the mission planning, GNC and systems engineering teams.
• Write thorough documentation, examples and user guides.
• Lead architecture decisions for simulation subsystems, covering technology choice, interface design and long-term maintainability, and run detailed code reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers through pair programming and technical guidance.
• Help with sprint planning, estimation and technical risk assessment.
• Take part in technical interviews and candidate evaluation.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics or applied mathematics, or equivalent experience.
• 5, 8 years of professional software development, with a strong focus on simulation, scientific computing or aerospace work.
• Working knowledge of modern C++ (C++17 or later), including the STL, templates and performance tuning.
• Python skills for API design, scripting and data analysis.
• A record of taking unclear requirements and driving a complex technical effort to a working capability with little direction.
• Solid understanding of at least one of: ADCS, GNC, thermal control, electric power systems, chemical or electric propulsion, orbital mechanics, or HIL/SIL systems.
• Proven experience planning and running verification and validation for physics-based models, including uncertainty quantification and checks against test or flight data.
• Sound design judgment within larger distributed systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication, especially when explaining complex technical ideas.
• U.S. citizen, eligible for a DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

Conditions

Base salary is $140,000 to $215,000.

Level and base salary are decided case by case, based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, location and experience.

The role is hybrid, and candidates must be located near Denver or Long Beach. Some work must be done on site.

The position stays open until it is filled.

Export rules under ITAR apply: you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will provide accommodations on request.

Do not apply for fixed-term or temporary roles.

Benefits

• Equity is part of total compensation.
• Health, dental and vision coverage paid 100% by the company for you and your dependents, with HSA or HRA options.
• Flexible Time Off for exempt employees. Non-exempt employees accrue up to 25 days of PTO. 12 paid holidays, parental leave and sick leave.
• 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement and Dog Fridays.
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office staff.