Remote Spacecraft Physics Modeling Engineer

Zenno Astronautics; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work permitted

Weekly Torrance office visits

Job summary

Zenno Astronautics in the Los Angeles area seeks a sharp physicist to perform modeling and simulation work for space technologies. You will own assignments from objective to defensible results and have freedom to choose methods and tools.

The role emphasizes strong physics, mathematical rigor, and the ability to deliver on deadlines. Remote work is allowed; weekly attendance at our Torrance office is required.

Qualifications

• Strong physics and mathematical reasoning.
• Experience with Python or similar language.
• Ability to learn unfamiliar material quickly.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Strong physics & math

Python experience

Independent working style

Job description

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.

Remote work permitted; attendance at our Torrance office is required at least once a week.

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