Senior Modeling & Simulation Software Engineer - Space SDA

Trace3; Colorado Springs (CO); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job description

Sr. Software Engineer, Modeling & Simulation

Who is Trace3?

Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate.

Our culture at Trace3 embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business. Employees can grow their career and have fun while doing it!

Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco.

Ready to discover the possibilities that live in technology?

Come Join Us!

Street-Smart-Thriving in Dynamic Times

We are flexible and resilient in a fast-changing environment. We continuously innovate and drive constructive change while keeping a focus on the “big picture.” We exercise sound business judgment in making high-quality decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are highly creative and can dig deep within ourselves to find positive solutions to different problems.

Juice -The “Stuff” it takes to be a Needle Mover

We get things done and drive results. We lead without a title, empowering others through a can-do attitude. We look forward to the goal, mentallymapping outevery checkpoint on the pathway to success, and visualizing what the final destination looks and feels like.

Teamwork -Humble, Hungry and Smart

We are humble individuals who understand how our job impacts the company's mission. We treat others with respect, admit mistakes, give credit where it’s due and demonstrate transparency. We “bring the weather” by exhibiting positive leadership and solution-focused thinking. We hug people in their trials, struggles, and failures – not just their success. We appreciate the individuality of the people around us.

JOB SUMMARY:

Join the team to support mission critical space domain awareness (SDA) capabilities that directly serve the U.S. Space Force. In this role, you will develop core Modeling & Simulation (M&S) software used to model and simulate launch and orbital events, vehicle behaviors, and observation generation within the ATLAS architecture.

This position is ideal for an engineer with experience in astrodynamics, physics-based modeling, or M&S system development who wants to shape next generation operational tools. You will work closely with experienced ATLAS engineers to translate established orbital event generation concepts into new production M&S code, containerize key supporting tools, integrate workflow components, and ensure accurate ingestion and generation of mission data. This role offers the opportunity to work on meaningful national security problems while contributing directly to real world operational software.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop, translate, and integrate external launch and space event M&S capabilities for SDA training and exercises.
• Containerize, modernize, and integrate current M&S capabilities into the ATLAS Test, Training, and Exercise (TTX) software architecture.
• Collaborate with physics and M&S subject-matter experts to ensure accuracy and consistency of models.
• Develop foundational M&S capabilities to support event-generation workflows, ephemeris generation, state-vector conversion, predicted observations, and step-wise data ingestion for ATLAS TTX.
• Support the full software development lifecycle including design, implementation, integration, and test.
• Quarterly travel to Vandenberg SFB, approximately 10%, may be required to support integration and test events.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 4+ years of relevant experience; Graduate Degree and 2+ years of related experience; or, in lieu of a degree, 8+ years of professional experience in related fields.
• Professional experience developing M&S or physics-based simulation systems.
• Hands-on software engineering experience using Python, Java, or similar languages.
• Understanding of astrodynamics fundamentals such as orbital propagation, ephemeris generation, and event modeling.
• Experience integrating data sources and building workflow-based simulation pipelines.
• Ability to collaborate closely with engineers, testers, and product stakeholders.
• Experience with containerization, including Docker or OCI-compliant systems.
• Familiarity with ATLAS GraphQL APIs or similar data querying patterns.
• DoD 8570 compliant; CompTIA Security+ is a plus.
• Background in space operations, SDA systems, or orbital M&S tools.

EDUCATION: Bachelors with 4+ or Master with 2+ Years of Experience

CLEARANCE REQUIRMENT: Possess or have the ability to obtain a Secret clearance, at a minimum.

SALARY RANGE: $140,000 to $ 170,000

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Operate a computer, keyboard, and other office equipment using hands and fingers.
• Communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and through electronic means.
• Occasionally move about the office to access files, office equipment, and meeting spaces.
• Lift and/or move up to 15 pounds as needed.
• Maintain specific vision abilities, including close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position is performed within a secure, classified workspace. Employees must comply with all applicable security protocols and access control procedures, including restrictions on personal electronic devices and the handling of sensitive information.

Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ. Certain positions may also be eligible for variable incentive compensation, such as bonuses or commissions, that is not included in the base salary.

$140,000 - $170,000 USD

The Perks

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
• Competitive Compensation
• Training and development programs
• Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages
• Collaborative and cool culture
• Work-life balance and generous paid time off

Our Commitment

At the core of Trace3's DNA is our people. We are a diverse group of talented individuals who understand the importance of teamwork and demonstrating leadership, character, and passion in all that we do.

We’re committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to grow. We recognize that embracing diversity drives innovation, improves outcomes, fosters collaboration, boosts teammate satisfaction, and builds a more inclusive culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Trace3 bases all employment decisions based on individual qualifications, merit, and business requirements. We do not engage in discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Any demographic information provided is strictly voluntary, kept confidential in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, and will not be used in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, or mentorship programs. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process or participate in an interview, please email [e-mail] .

***To all recruitment agencies:Trace3 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Trace3 employees or any other company location. Trace3 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.

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For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Trace3’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

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