Junior Simulation Software Engineer

Metecs, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

METECS is seeking an entry-level Simulation Software Engineer to support NASA’s Robotics, Simulations, and Graphics Support (RSGS) team. This role blends software engineering with aerospace, robotics, and physics-based simulation.

You will contribute to design, development, integration, testing, and maintenance of high-fidelity simulation software, participate in code reviews, CI/CD, and work within a large collaborative codebase with NASA engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience in simulations, software development, or a related technical field.
• Proficiency in C++.
• Experience working in Linux-based environments.
• Familiarity with Git for version control.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python.
• Solid foundation in physics and mathematics.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, test, and maintain high-fidelity simulation software.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and automated testing efforts.
• Participate in peer code reviews and maintain code quality.
• Work within large, collaborative codebases with NASA engineers and stakeholders.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Git

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree (CS or related)

Tools

Trick

Unity

Unreal Engine

EDGE

Job description

METECS is seeking an entry-level Simulation Software Engineer to support NASA’s simulation efforts as part of the Robotics, Simulations, and Graphics Support (RSGS) team.This role is ideal for candidates with a strong foundation in computer science and software engineering who are interested in applying those skills to challenging problems in aerospace, robotics, human spaceflight, and physics-based simulation.

In this role, you will contribute to the design, development, integration, testing, and maintenance of high-fidelity simulation software that supports engineering analysis across a wide range of human spaceflight programs, including the International Space Station (ISS), Orion, Moon Base, Space Reactor-1 Freedom (SR-1), Human Landing System (HLS), and other advanced exploration initiatives. Projects may include development and enhancement of core dynamics and simulation tools, investigations of crew member stability in lunar and microgravity environments, lunar vehicle simulations, and support of ISS training simulation systems.

Successful candidates will be active contributors to a modern software development environment. Responsibilities include implementing and maintaining features from Git-managed work items, participating in peer code reviews, contributing to automated testing efforts, and helping maintain and improve continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. Candidates should be comfortable working within large, collaborative codebases and applying software engineering best practices to ensure reliability, maintainability, and performance.

Simulation development at METECS is a highly multidisciplinary effort, requiring close collaboration with experts in software engineering, physics, robotics, biomechanics, computer graphics, and aerospace systems. You will work alongside NASA engineers and mission stakeholders to develop simulation capabilities that are accurate, robust, and relevant to real-world mission scenarios.

Citizenship or lawful permanent resident required due to federal position.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience in simulations, software development, or a related technical field.
• Proficiency in C++.
• Experience working in Linux-based environments.
• Familiarity with Git for version control.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python.
• Solid foundation in physics and mathematics.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Exposure to AI/ML concepts and applications.
• Understanding of the software development life cycle (SDLC).
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing.
• Familiarity with the Trick simulation framework.
• Unity, Unreal Engine, EDGE or similar graphics engines.

About METECS

We are a high-performance team providing advanced engineering, software, and analysis solutions for human space flight and terrestrial applications. We develop and integrate custom software for NASA and other government and commercial customers utilizing a wide variety of in-house, commercial, and open-source technologies. Our specialties include robotics automation, embedded systems, hardware/software integration, multibody dynamics simulations, immersive computer graphics, XR systems and advanced web-based tools.

Equal Opportunity Employment

METECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.