Simulation Software Engineer

Holt Recruitment Group Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing space engineering team in the UK is seeking a Simulation Software Engineer to support the development of high-fidelity spacecraft simulators. You will design and implement simulators while collaborating with a multidisciplinary engineering team. The ideal candidate has a degree in a relevant STEM field and over 2 years of software engineering experience, particularly in real-time software development. The role offers flexible working and a supportive environment with various benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays

Private healthcare

Relocation allowance

Access to modern office facilities

Qualifications

• 2+ years of software engineering experience, ideally within modelling/simulation.
• Strong debugging and profiling experience on Linux.
• Proficiency in modern C++ (C++14 or later).

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test spacecraft simulators.
• Develop and integrate simulation software aligned with mission requirements.
• Validate and deploy simulator builds into operational environments.

Skills

Software engineering experience

Real-time software development

Debugging on Linux

Modern C++ proficiency

Object-oriented programming

Test-driven development experience

Education

Degree in Computer Science or relevant STEM discipline

Job description

A growing space engineering team in the UK is seeking a Simulation Software Engineer to support the development of high‑fidelity spacecraft simulators used for mission design, verification, and operations. You’ll work alongside software and aerospace engineers to develop simulation tools, integrate flight software, and ensure robust, reliable simulator performance for upcoming spacecraft missions.

What You’ll Do

• Design, implement, and test spacecraft simulators as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team
• Develop and integrate simulation software aligned with mission and subsystem requirements
• Validate, configure, and deploy simulator builds into operational environments
• Create scripts based on operational scenarios to support testing and training
• Maintain simulator performance and availability for engineering and operational users
• Develop startup and configuration scripts for different operational modes and system setups

Essential Skills

• Degree in Computer Science, Electronics, or another relevant STEM discipline
• 2+ years of experience in software engineering or real‑time software development, ideally within modelling/simulation
• Strong debugging and profiling experience on Linux
• Proficiency in modern C++ (C++14 or later)
• Solid understanding of object-oriented programming, UML, and design patterns
• Experience with test-driven development

Desirable Skills

• Experience with ECSS SMP, SIMULUS Suite, or other spacecraft simulation frameworks
• Familiarity with Agile development tools and methodologies
• Knowledge of ECSS‑E‑70 (PUS) and SCOS MIB
• Linux system administration, shell scripting, Makefiles
• JavaScript scripting experience

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to work with a highly talented, international engineering team
• Flexible working around core hours in a supportive, collaborative environment
• Optional 9/75 working pattern
• Hybrid working arrangements (role‑dependent)
• 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays (increasing with tenure)
• Private healthcare (taxable benefit), life insurance, long‑term sick pay
• Relocation allowance and potential visa sponsorship
• Access to modern office and cleanroom facilities
• Regular social events and a positive team culture