Physics Modeling Engineer

Zenno Astronautics U.S. Inc; Torrance (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Job summary

Zenno Astronautics U.S. Inc in the Los Angeles area is seeking a motivated physicist to perform modeling and simulation for space technologies. You will own projects from objective to defensible results, and choose appropriate models and tools for the problem at hand.

The role emphasizes independent work, learning new physics as needed, and delivering high-quality results on schedule. Hybrid work with weekly Torrance office visits is expected.

Qualifications

• Strong physics and mathematical reasoning.
• Ability to learn unfamiliar technical material quickly.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and deliver on deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Own physics modeling and simulation assignments from definition to delivery.
• Build and run numerical simulations of spacecraft orbits and attitude dynamics.
• Translate technical questions into models and calculations.
• Research unfamiliar areas of physics as needed to solve problems.
• Test assumptions, validate models and perform sensitivity checks.
• Analyze outputs and draw technically defensible conclusions.
• Document methods and results for reproducibility.
• Present findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Manage own work, priorities and deadlines, and identify blockers.

Skills

Physics modeling

Numerical simulations

Independent work

Tools

Python

Job description

About The Company

Zenno develops the most powerful magnetic technologies for space. This is a new class of superconducting systems designed to power the next era of human expansion. Our belief is simple-stable and scalable infrastructure in space will rely on resources already present there.

Zenno is building that future by harnessing one of the fundamental forces of the universe, electromagnetism. Our superconducting technologies enable fuel-free spacecraft positioning, radiation shielding, and electromagnetic acceleration systems for defense, transportation, and industrial activity in space.

The Role

Zenno is seeking a sharp, motivated person to carry out physics modeling and simulation work supporting the development and application of our space technologies.

The work will include astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, spacecraft attitude dynamics and other physics-based modelling of spacecraft and the space environment.

This is a highly independent role. You will be given ownership of technical assignments and will be responsible for taking them from an initial objective through to a completed, defensible result. You will have significant freedom to determine the modelling approach, methods and tools used, while being accountable for the quality and on-time delivery of your work.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Own physics modeling and simulation assignments from definition through to delivery.
• Build and run numerical simulations of spacecraft orbits, attitude dynamics and physical interactions in the space environment.
• Translate technical questions into appropriate models, assumptions, calculations and simulation approaches.
• Research unfamiliar areas of physics and engineering as required to solve assigned problems.
• Test assumptions, validate models and perform appropriate sensitivity and sanity checks on results.
• Analyze simulation outputs and draw clear, technically defensible conclusions.
• Clearly document modeling methods, assumptions, limitations and results so that work can be reviewed and reproduced.
• Present findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Manage your own technical work, priorities and deadlines, identifying risks or blockers early and taking responsibility for agreed deliverables.

You must have strong physics and mathematical reasoning, good computational skills and the ability to learn unfamiliar technical material quickly.

Experience with Python or another scientific computing language is preferred. You will not be required to use a particular software package or modeling environment and are expected to select tools appropriate to the problem.

We are looking for someone who combines technical curiosity with strong execution. You should be comfortable working with limited supervision, making technical decisions independently and being accountable for delivering accurate work by agreed deadlines.

Full-time. Hybrid - Los Angeles area, with attendance at our Torrance, CA 90505 office required at least once a week. Remote work permitted on other days.

Annual salary: $90,000-$150,000 USD.

Benefits include health insurance and dental insurance.

Reports directly to the Co-founder and Chief Product Officer.

Desired start date: October 19th, 2026.