Mission Design Engineer

Next Matter; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful long-term equity

Four weeks paid time off

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid parental leave

$100 monthly fitness stipend

Onsite EV charging

Catered meals and stocked kitchen

Job summary

Next Matter is seeking a Mission Design Engineer in Torrance, CA. The role involves leading mission-level analysis and system design using advanced tools like AFSIM and EADSIM. You will translate mission needs into engineering requirements, ensuring design decisions drive tangible improvements.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in engineering and 2+ years of relevant experience, coupled with strong analytical and communication skills. Full-time onsite presence is required, along with participation in hardware design and testing.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in mission analysis or operational analysis.
• Experience translating mission needs into engineering requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop mission-level simulations using AFSIM and EADSIM.
• Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for prototype development.

Skills

Mission Analysis

System Design

Simulation Tools

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace/mechanical/electrical engineering or related field

Tools

AFSIM

EADSIM

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Mission Design Engineer

As a Mission Design Engineer, you will lead mission-level analysis and system design using advanced modeling and simulation tools such as AFSIM and EADSIM. You will evaluate system effectiveness in operational scenarios, translate mission needs into engineering requirements, and inform design decisions through simulation, test, and rapid iteration.

In addition to modeling and analysis, you will play an active role in prototype hardware design, integration, and test, working closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure mission‑driven insights are realized in real‑world systems. This role connects operational analysis directly to hardware, ensuring that simulation results drive tangible performance improvements in deployed systems.

Responsibilities:

Mission Design & Operational Analysis

• Develop and execute mission-level simulations using AFSIM and EADSIM to evaluate system performance in contested, multi-domain environments.
• Translate operational scenarios and customer needs into system requirements, constraints, and performance metrics.
• Conduct trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and campaign-level assessments to inform system architecture and design decisions.
• Analyze interactions between sensors, weapons, communications, and threat systems to assess mission effectiveness.

Modeling, Simulation & Data-Driven Design

• Build, maintain, and extend simulation frameworks representing real-world operational conditions.
• Use simulation outputs to guide design trades across propulsion, GNC, avionics, and software.
• Correlate simulation results with ground and flight test data to improve model accuracy and predictive capability.
• Develop tools and workflows to rapidly evaluate new concepts and configurations.

Prototype Development, Integration & Test

• Collaborate with hardware and software teams to integrate mission requirements into prototype systems.
• Support system-level integration and ensure alignment between modeled performance and actual system behavior.
• Participate in flight tests and live-fire events, including pre-test analysis, real-time support, and post-test evaluation.
• Use test results to refine both system design and simulation models.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work across engineering disciplines (GNC, propulsion, avionics, software, manufacturing).
• Communicate mission-level insights to inform design tradeoffs and prioritization.
• Support design reviews, technical briefings, and customer engagements.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in mission analysis, operational analysis, systems engineering, or aerospace/defense modeling & simulation.
• Experience with AFSIM, EADSIM, or similar tools (e.g., STK, MATLAB/Simulink, custom simulation frameworks).
• Experience translating mission needs into engineering requirements and design trades.
• Familiarity with aerospace or defense systems (missiles, aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicles).
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to put in extended hours, including evenings and weekends, when required to meet aggressive timelines.
• This role is based in Torrance, CA and requires full-time onsite presence.

Benefits And Perks

All full-time employees are granted meaningful long‑term equity, sharing in the company’s significant growth trajectory. We offer four (4) weeks of paid time off, ten (10) company‑paid holidays, and comprehensive health benefits—including 100% employee‑covered medical and strong dependent coverage, along with dental and vision plans. We also provide paid parental leave to support growing families, a $100 monthly fitness stipend to promote health and performance, and onsite EV charging for convenience. In addition, employees enjoy perks like catered meals, company‑covered food during high‑demand periods, and a fully stocked kitchen to stay fueled throughout the day.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Employment with Castelion is governed on the basis of competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.