SIM Lead

Sceye, Inc.; San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Chef-Prepared Lunches

Snacks & Refreshments

Wellness Perks

Dog-Friendly Environment

Health Coverage

401(k) with Match

High-Performance Culture

Job summary

Sceye, Inc. in San Francisco is seeking a SIM Lead to own the simulation environment for the HAPS flight platform.

You will lead a team building real-time, high-fidelity models of vehicle dynamics, avionics, and missions to support software-in-the-loop/testing before flight. Ideal candidates have 7+ years of software engineering, 2+ years in leadership, and experience with C++/Python, SIL/HIL, and aerospace simulations; the role reports to the Software Lead and offers a comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

• 7+ years software engineering with 2+ years in leadership.
• Experience building simulation, modeling, or digital-twin systems for aerospace/robotics.
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python for real-time simulation development.
• Solid understanding of vehicle dynamics, control systems, or guidance/navigation concepts.
• Experience with SIL/HIL environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and maintenance of flight and systems simulation environment.
• Mentor a team of simulation and software engineers.
• Build high-fidelity models of vehicle dynamics, avionics, sensors, and communications payloads for SIL/HIL testing.
• Define simulation requirements with Avionics, Flight Software, and Mission Operations teams.
• Ensure simulations reflect real vehicle behavior, including edge cases and failures.
• Integrate simulation tools into CI/CD pipelines for automated regression testing.
• Own tooling for scenario generation, telemetry playback, and mission rehearsal.
• Drive continuous improvement of simulation fidelity using flight test data.
• Coordinate with Mission Operations for pre-flight readiness reviews.

Skills

C++

Python

Simulation

Leadership

SIL/HIL

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

JSBSim

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Salary Range: $155,000.00 To $230,000.00 Annually

Sceye SIM Lead

Status: Full Time

Reports To: Software Lead

Who Are We:

Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant communications, imaging and remote sensing infrastructure through stratospheric platforms.

Our lighter-than-air high-altitude platform systems (LTA HAPS) are capable of maintaining position over an operational area in the stratosphere (altitudes of 18–21km). They can carry multiple telecommunications, imaging and remote sensing payloads, providing unique functionality, cost, environmental and societal advantages.

Our customers & partners include some of the largest global telecommunications companies, infrastructure operators, climate researchers, civil and defense agencies.

At Sceye, we aim high, and we want you to join us at the stratospheric edge of innovation. As part of our mission-driven team, you'll contribute to building breakthrough technologies that are changing the way we connect and observe the world. We are looking for individuals who bring not only deep expertise but also bold vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Position Summary:

Sceye is seeking a Sceye SIM Lead to own our simulation environment for the HAPS flight platform. Our simulation ('SIM') systems replicate vehicle dynamics, avionics, and mission software so engineers can safely develop, test, and validate new capabilities before they ever fly in the stratosphere. This role leads a growing team building high-fidelity, real-time simulation tools that are central to Sceye's flight test and software development lifecycle.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of Sceye’s flight and systems simulation environment.
• Manage and mentor a team of simulation and software engineers.
• Build high-fidelity models of vehicle dynamics, avionics, sensors, and communications payloads for use in software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Partner with Avionics, Flight Software, and Flight Test teams to define simulation requirements that support upcoming missions.
• Ensure simulation environments accurately reflect real vehicle behavior, including edge cases and failure modes.
• Integrate simulation tools into CI/CD pipelines to support automated regression testing of flight software.
• Own tooling for scenario generation, telemetry playback, and mission rehearsal.
• Drive continuous improvement of simulation fidelity based on flight test data.
• Coordinate with Mission Operations to support pre-flight readiness reviews using simulation results.
• Document simulation architecture, assumptions, and validation methods.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 7+ years of software engineering experience, including 2+ years in a technical leadership or team lead capacity.
• Strong experience building simulation, modeling, or digital-twin systems for aerospace, robotics, or similarly complex physical systems.
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python for real-time simulation development.
• Solid understanding of vehicle dynamics, control systems, or guidance/navigation concepts.
• Experience with software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environments.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with experience managing engineers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with flight simulation frameworks (e.g., custom or commercial modeling & simulation platforms, MATLAB/Simulink, JSBSim).
• Background in lighter-than-air vehicles, UAS, satellites, or other high-altitude or aerospace platforms.
• Experience integrating simulation with CI/CD and automated test pipelines.
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded avionics interfaces.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to translate complex physical and software system behavior into accurate simulation models.
• Strong people-leadership skills, with a track record of growing and mentoring engineering talent.
• Detail-oriented with a rigorous approach to validation and verification.
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with hardware, avionics, and flight operations teams.
• Effective communicator able to translate simulation results into actionable engineering decisions.

Physical Requirements:

• Primarily an office-based role with occasional lab and hangar visits.
• Occasional travel to Sceye's Moriarty, NM flight operations site required.
• Ability to walk throughout office, lab, and hangar facilities as needed.

What We Offer:

At Sceye, we're building more than high-altitude platforms—we're building a workplace where people (and their pups) thrive. Here's what you'll enjoy:

• Chef-Prepared Lunches – Fresh, onsite meals to keep you fueled and focused.
• Snacks & Refreshments – Enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks available throughout the day.
• Wellness Perks – Access to a gym, pickleball court, and an outdoor dog kennel.
• Dog-Friendly Environment – Bring your four-legged friends to work and enjoy a pet-welcoming space.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, with over 82% of premiums covered—and 100% for everything else.
• 401(k) with Match – Company contributions that are yours from day one.
• High-Performance Culture – Join a collaborative, inclusive environment where your work helps shape the future of aerospace.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Sceye is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who bring unique perspectives and experiences that can help us grow and innovate. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us—we're happy to assist.