Senior R&D Engineer (Space) - Exton, PA (13347)

Synopsys Inc; Exton (PA); On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Wellness programs

Financial benefits

Job summary

A leading technology company in Pennsylvania seeks a passionate software developer to enhance orbital mechanics software for space systems. You will design, develop, and optimize features for the ODTK product, directly impacting mission planning and operations. Ideal candidates have a background in aerospace-related fields and strong skills in C++ and C#. Excellent communication and collaborative capabilities are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience or MS degree in related field.
• Strong proficiency in software development.
• Knowledge in trajectory optimization or orbit determination.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new features for ODTK.
• Collaborate with a team to optimize software performance.
• Resolve issues reported by QA.

Skills

C++

C#

Visual Studio

Trajectory optimization

Problem-solving

Education

BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science

Job description

We Are

At Synopsys, we drive the innovations that shape the way we live and connect. Our technology is central to the Era of Pervasive Intelligence, from self-driving cars to learning machines. We lead in chip design, verification, and IP integration, empowering the creation of high-performance silicon chips and software content. Join us to transform the future through continuous technological innovation.

About ANSYS Government Initiatives (AGI)

Part of Synopsys, AGI is at the forefront of Digital Mission Engineering (DME) for space systems. Our team builds and supports ODTK (Orbit Determination Tool Kit), a powerful product enabling highly accurate orbit estimation from real or simulated tracking data. ODTK is trusted by engineers and mission planners throughout the mission lifecycle—from design to operations—making critical impacts in aerospace, defense, and research sectors.

Location and Eligibility

Position is based in Exton, PA and is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

You Are

You are a passionate and driven software developer eager to make a real-world impact in the field of space systems and digital engineering. Your curiosity pushes you to explore the intricacies of orbital mechanics and trajectory optimization, and your commitment to excellence ensures the creation of robust, reliable, and innovative software solutions. With a background in computer science, engineering, or a related discipline, you thrive in collaborative, high-performing teams where your ideas and expertise help shape mission-critical products. You are motivated by the opportunity to solve challenging problems, working alongside subject matter experts and leveraging modern development tools. You bring a growth mindset, continuously seeking to expand your knowledge in both domain-specific areas and software engineering best practices. Your adaptability and eagerness to learn make you a valuable contributor to an agile team, and you take pride in writing clean, efficient code that stands up to rigorous testing and real-world applications. You communicate effectively, value diverse perspectives, and foster an inclusive environment where everyone is empowered to innovate. Above all, you desire to play a key role in advancing the future of space exploration and digital mission engineering.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design, develop, test, and document new features for the ODTK product, enhancing its capabilities for mission planning and operations.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to integrate advanced algorithms and optimize software performance.
• Investigate and resolve issues identified by QA or product support, delivering timely and effective solutions.
• Apply and promote best practices in commercial software development, including code reviews, version control, and continuous integration.
• Contribute to backlog reduction by addressing existing bugs and implementing architecture improvements.
• Engage with PhD-level experts to understand complex requirements and translate them into robust software implementations.
• Participate in agile development cycles, providing feedback and ideas to continually improve team processes and product quality.

The Impact You Will Have

• Directly enhance the accuracy and reliability of orbit determination for critical space missions.
• Enable engineers and mission planners to make informed decisions using advanced modeling and simulation tools.
• Accelerate the development of innovative features that support both government and commercial customers in the aerospace sector.
• Contribute to the reduction of technical debt, improving the long-term stability and scalability of our software products.
• Foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the team and broader organization.
• Drive adoption of modern engineering practices, raising the bar for software quality and maintainability.
• Support the success of high-profile space missions by delivering reliable tools used throughout the mission lifecycle.

What You’ll Need

• BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or related field with 2 years’ experience, or MS degree.
• Strong proficiency in software development, with hands‑on experience in C++, C#, and Visual Studio.
• Understanding of commercial software development lifecycle, including agile methodologies.
• Knowledge of one or more domain areas such as trajectory optimization, optimal control, attitude control & determination, or orbit determination.
• Experience in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues in complex software systems.
• Ability to document code and technical solutions for future reference and team collaboration.

Who You Are

• Collaborative team player who thrives in fast‑paced, innovative environments.
• Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Quick learner who adapts to new technologies and domain-specific challenges.
• Detail-oriented problem solver, able to analyze complex issues and deliver effective solutions.
• Inclusive and open-minded, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a welcoming team culture.
• Proactive contributor who takes ownership of tasks and follows through to completion.

The Team You’ll Be A Part Of

You’ll join the Digital Mission Engineering Space Products Development Team, a diverse and dynamic group of engineers and scientists passionate about advancing space systems technology. The team collaborates closely with subject matter experts, product managers, and QA professionals to deliver best‑in‑class solutions for orbit determination and mission analysis. Together, we support the full lifecycle of space missions, driving innovation and excellence in everything we do.

Rewards and Benefits

We offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and financial benefits to cater to your needs. Our total rewards include both monetary and non‑monetary offerings. Your recruiter will provide more details about the salary range and benefits during the hiring process.