Simulation & Modeling Engineer

W a R D S T O N E; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Wardstone is seeking a Simulation & Modeling Engineer to build and own end-to-end physics models—covering orbital mechanics, interceptor trajectories, guidance/dynamics, dispersion behavior, and sensor/thermal effects. You will connect your models to real test data and drive design decisions grounded in physics.

You will collaborate with GNC, Propulsion, Sensor, and Avionics engineers to integrate algorithms, perform probabilistic analysis, and support system-level trades across configurations

Qualifications

• Degree in aerospace or related field; MS preferred.
• Experience with dynamic simulations and numerical methods.
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics and flight dynamics.
• Experience with ODE/PDE solvers, filtering, and optimization.
• Ability to validate simulated results against analytical or experimental data.
• Experience with MATLAB/SIMULINK or other specified tools.
• US Person or Lawful Permanent Resident status required.

Responsibilities

• Build high-fidelity 6DOF models of interceptor trajectories and targets.
• Model aerodynamic forces and flight regimes from subsonic to hypersonic.
• Implement full state propagation with drag, atmosphere, gravity, and actuators.
• Integrate GNC algorithms into simulation environments.
• Model perception pipelines: IR signatures, SNR, and atmospheric attenuation.
• Create closed-loop simulations across perception, guidance, actuation, dynamics, and intercept logic.
• Model particle trajectories for Hailstorm Dispersal and associated energetics.
• Run large Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate hit probability and margins.
• Develop parameter sweeps for timing, errors, and uncertainties.
• Develop modular MATLAB/Python/C++ tools and visualization for teams.

Skills

Strong physics intuition

Analytical thinking

Communication with cross-disciplinary/

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or similar

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

C++

Julia

Job description

Wardstone is looking for a Simulation & Modeling Engineer who will build and own Wardstone’s end-to-end physics models: orbital mechanics, interceptor trajectories, guidance/dynamics, dispersion behavior, aerodynamic models, sensor models, thermal effects, and Monte Carlo analysis.

This role is central to Wardstone’s entire engineering process. Your models will define vehicle design and intercept feasibility, ΔV budgets, terminal constraints, survival envelopes, effectiveness, and system-level design trades.

You will work directly with the founders GNC, Propulsion, Sensor, and Avionics engineers to connect your models to real test data and ensure every design choice is grounded in physics.

What You’ll Do

• Build high-fidelity 6DOF models of interceptor trajectories and target maneuvers.
• Model aerodynamic forces, flight regimes (subsonic → hypersonic), and uncertainties.
• Implement full state propagation with drag, atmospheric effects, gravity, and actuator limits.

Guidance, Control & Sensor Model Integration

• Integrate GNC algorithms into simulation environments.
• Model perception pipelines: IR signatures, SNR, glint, thermal clutter, and atmospheric attenuation.
• Build closed-loop simulations with perception → guidance → actuation → dynamics → intercept logic.

Hailstorm Dispersal Modeling

• Model particle trajectories, dispersal cones, cloud expansion, and lethality envelopes.
• Model impulse delivery mechanisms: blast, thrust, or hybrid dispersal events.
• Work with energetics engineers on momentary high-G propagation and multi-body interactions.

Monte Carlo & Probabilistic Analysis

• Run large-scale Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate hit probability, robustness, and margins.
• Develop parameter sweeps for timing, sensing errors, aerodynamic uncertainties, and ΔV constraints.
• Produce data-driven design recommendations for system architecture decisions.

Simulation Infrastructure & Visualization

• Build clean, modular simulation tools in MATLAB/Python/C++ for internal engineering teams.
• Develop visualization tools (2D, 3D, orbital views) used for engineering and visual storytelling.
• Maintain code quality, performance, and model usability across the engineering org.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or similar.
• Strong experience with dynamic simulations (MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C++, Julia, or equivalent).
• Deep understanding of orbital mechanics, flight dynamics, or missile/rocket modeling.
• Experience with numerical methods, ODE/PDE solvers, filtering, integration stability, and optimization.
• Ability to validate simulated results against analytical solutions or experimental data.
• Strong intuition for physics and comfort working with incomplete or noisy data.
• US Person or Lawful Permanent Resident status required.

Nice to Haves

• Experience modeling hypersonic flow, ablation, or high-enthalpy environments.
• Experience with high-speed particle or fragment modeling.
• Experience connecting simulation to hardware-in-the-loop systems.
• Familiarity with CFD tools (OpenFOAM, SU2, ANSYS Fluent).
• Experience with sensor modeling: IR/EO tracking, radar, radiometric models, or synthetic scene generation.
• Experience building custom visualization pipelines or simulation frameworks.