Software Engineer, Spacecraft Simulation

Software Engineer, Spacecraft Simulation

Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

True 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.

Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.

What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.

It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

Software is the central nervous system for True Anomaly's engineering and product thesis. Software bridges the gap between military objectives, theoretical physics, and the human and autonomous control of spacecraft and ground systems. True Anomaly is seeking a Spacecraft Simulation Software Engineer to contribute to the continuing evolution of our spacecraft, constellation modeling, and simulation software with a focus on multi-physics, high-fidelity simulation.

You will work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team to identify, develop, and deliver algorithms for modeling complex coupled physics including 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) rigid body dynamics, thermal systems, attitude dynamics and control, power systems, propulsion, and their interactions. This role focuses on building the simulation infrastructure that enables engineers to design spacecraft, validate control algorithms, analyze system performance, and predict mission outcomes with high confidence.

Write well-structured, efficient code using modern C++ best practices (C++ 17 / C++ 20), with a particular emphasis on performance and maintainability

Develop and maintain multi-physics simulation libraries for spacecraft systems modeling including:

• 6DOF rigid body dynamics with environmental perturbations (gravity gradient, solar radiation pressure, atmospheric drag, magnetic torques)
• Thermal modeling including conduction, radiation, and solar heating
• Attitude dynamics and control system simulation
• Propulsion system modeling (thrusters, tanks, mass properties)
• Power generation and distribution (solar arrays, batteries, loads)
• Sensor and actuator models (reaction wheels, star trackers, gyros, magnetometers, thrusters)

Implement coupled physics algorithms that capture interactions between subsystems (thermal-structural, power-thermal, propulsion-dynamics, etc.)

Design and implement time-stepping algorithms, solver architectures, and integration schemes for real-time and faster-than-real-time simulation

Maintain libraries that provide APIs in multiple languages (Python, C++) to other applications within True Anomaly

Work with other internal teams who leverage our simulation APIs to plan and execute missions, develop advanced algorithms for spacecraft operation, and perform trade-space analyses

Participate in code reviews, architectural discussions, and sprint planning sessions to maintain high standards of software quality and adherence to project timelines

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, a similar discipline, or relevant experience

1-3 years of professional experience in C++

Experience with the Python programming language for scripting and prototyping applications

Strong understanding of object-oriented software development practices

Ability to understand new challenges quickly, formulate a plan, get buy-in, and execute

Understanding of complex distributed systems, and how the components you design and deliver will fit into those larger systems

Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail

U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance

Experience developing physics-based modeling and simulation environments (i.e., modeling spacecraft dynamics, thermal systems, or control algorithms)

Knowledge of numerical methods:

• ODE solvers and integration schemes (Runge-Kutta, etc.)
• Numerical linear algebra and matrix computations
• Sparse matrix techniques

Experience with spacecraft subsystems:

• Attitude determination and control systems (ADCS)
• Guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)
• Thermal control systems
• Electric power systems (EPS)
• Propulsion systems

Understanding of coordinate frames and transformations (ECI, ECEF, body frame, etc.)

Experience with quaternion mathematics and rotation representations

Knowledge of orbital mechanics and perturbation forces

Familiarity with model validation, verification, and uncertainty quantification

Experience with version control systems (Git) and CI/CD pipelines

Base Salary: $120,000 - $200,000

Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your 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.

This is a fully onsite role. Candidates must be based in or able to commute to our Denver or Long Beach office daily.