Senior Software Engineer, Spacecraft SimulationDenver, CO or Long Beach, CATrue Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.True Anomaly is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Simulation Software Engineer to drive the development and enhancement of our spacecraft, constellation modeling, and simulation software with a focus on multi-physics, high-fidelity simulation.You will take ownership of significant technical components within our simulation infrastructure, working independently to design, implement, and deliver complex features.
Working in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team, you will develop algorithms for modeling coupled physics including 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) rigid body dynamics, thermal systems, attitude dynamics and control, power systems, propulsion, and their interactions. You will also mentor junior engineers and contribute to architectural decisions that shape the future of our simulation capabilities.ResponsibilitiesSimulation DevelopmentDesign and implement multi-physics simulation software across spacecraft subsystems: 6DOF rigid body dynamics (gravity gradient, solar radiation pressure, atmospheric drag, magnetic torques, third-body effects), thermal modeling, attitude dynamics and control, propulsion (chemical/electric), power generation and storage, and high-fidelity sensor/actuator models (reaction wheels, CMGs, star trackers, gyros, magnetometers)Develop coupled physics algorithms capturing subsystem interactions (thermal-structural, power-thermal, propulsion-dynamics)Design time-stepping algorithms, solver architectures, and integration schemes for real-time and faster-than-real-time simulationWrite production-quality C++ with emphasis on performance, maintainability, and testabilityAPI Design & IntegrationDesign and maintain robust APIs in C++ and Python serving internal customers across the organizationCollaborate with mission planning, GNC, and systems engineering teams to ensure APIs are usable, performant, and backward-compatibleCreate comprehensive documentation, examples, and user guidesLeadership & CollaborationDrive architectural decisions for simulation subsystems, including technology selection, interface design, and long-term maintainability tradeoffs; conduct thorough code reviewsMentor junior engineers through pair programming and technical guidanceContribute to sprint planning, estimation, and technical risk assessmentParticipate in hiring through technical interviews and candidate assessmentQualificationsEducation: Bachelor's in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or equivalent experienceExperience: 5–8 years of professional software development with significant focus on simulation, scientific computing, or aerospace applicationsC++: Proficiency in modern C++ (C++17 or newer), including STL, templates, and performance optimizationPython: Proficiency in API design, scripting, and data analysisIndependence: Demonstrated ability to take ambiguous requirements and drive a complex technical effort to delivered capability with minimal directionDomain knowledge: Solid understanding of at least one of: ADCS, GNC, thermal control, electric power systems, chemical/electric propulsion, orbital mechanics, or HIL/SIL systemsV&V: Demonstrated experience defining and executing verification and validation plans for physics-based models, including uncertainty quantification and validation against test or flight dataSystems thinking: Ability to make sound design decisions within larger distributed systemsCommunication: Strong written and verbal skills; able to articulate complex technical concepts clearlyClearance: U.S. Citizen eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearancePreferred Skills and ExperiencePhysics-based M&S experience in aerospace or defenseNumerical methods: ODE/DAE solvers (Runge-Kutta, implicit, multi-step), numerical linear algebra, sparse matrix techniques, automatic differentiationDeep familiarity with coordinate frames (ECI, ECEF, LVLH, body frames), quaternion mathematics, and orbital mechanicsProficiency with Git, CI/CD, CMake or Bazel, and software testing frameworksFamiliarity with parallel computing, Docker, and cloud platformsExperience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) or software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing environments, including simulation interfaces to flight software or embedded hardwareCompensationBase Salary: $140,000 - $215,000Equity + Benefits: including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental LeaveYour actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.Additional RequirementsWork Location: Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Long Beach.
While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.Work environment: The work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.Physical demands: The physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below.