Software Engineer I, Spacecraft Simulation (New Grad)

Engg; Denver, Long Beach (CO, CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

True Anomaly is seeking an entry-level Spacecraft Simulation Software Engineer to build and extend high-fidelity spacecraft and constellation models. You will contribute to 6DOF dynamics, thermal, attitude, and propulsion simulations within a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team.

This 3-month temporary engagement offers growth with potential conversion based on performance and business needs, and requires willingness to work on-site in Colorado with hybrid arrangements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, CS, physics or related field.
• Exposure to C++ and Python; OO design basics.
• Willingness to learn and work in a fast-paced team.
• U.S. citizenship and eligible for DoD clearance.

Responsibilities

• Write well-structured C++ code (C++17/20) with performance focus.
• Contribute to multi-physics spacecraft simulations and modeling.
• Collaborate across teams and participate in code reviews and sprint planning.
• Develop and test time-stepping algorithms and libraries.

Skills

C++

Python

6DOF

Algorithms

Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Python

Job description

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

OUR VALUES

Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity. What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results. It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION

Software is the central nervous system for True Anomaly's engineering and product thesis. Software bridges the gap between military objectives, theoretical physics, and the human and autonomous control of spacecraft and ground systems. True Anomaly is seeking an entry-level Spacecraft Simulation Software Engineer to help build and extend our spacecraft, constellation modeling, and simulation software with a focus on multi-physics, high-fidelity simulation. This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer to grow within a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team. You will learn from experienced engineers as you help develop algorithms for modeling complex coupled physics including 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) rigid body dynamics, thermal systems, attitude dynamics and control, power systems, propulsion, and their interactions. You'll contribute to the simulation infrastructure that enables engineers to design spacecraft, validate control algorithms, analyze system performance, and predict mission outcomes with high confidence. This is a 3 month temporary employment engagement. There is potential to convert to regular employment based on performance and business need.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Write well-structured, efficient code using modern C++ (C++ 17 / C++ 20), with attention to performance and maintainability, guided by code reviews and team standards
• Contribute to multi-physics simulation libraries for spacecraft systems modeling, including:
  • 6DOF rigid body dynamics with environmental perturbations (gravity gradient, solar radiation pressure, atmospheric drag, magnetic torques)
  • Thermal modeling including conduction, radiation, and solar heating
  • Attitude dynamics and control system simulation
  • Propulsion system modeling (thrusters, tanks, mass properties)
  • Power generation and distribution (solar arrays, batteries, loads)
  • Sensor and actuator models (reaction wheels, star trackers, gyros, magnetometers, thrusters)
  • Help implement coupled physics algorithms that capture interactions between subsystems (thermal-structural, power-thermal, propulsion-dynamics, etc.), with guidance from senior engineers
  • Assist in developing and testing time-stepping algorithms, solvers, and integration schemes for real-time and faster-than-real-time simulation
  • Help maintain libraries that provide APIs in multiple languages (Python, C++) to other applications within True Anomaly
  • Collaborate with other internal teams who leverage our simulation APIs to plan and execute missions, develop algorithms for spacecraft operation, and perform trade-space analyses
  • Participate in code reviews, architectural discussions, and sprint planning sessions, learning and applying our software quality standards and delivery practices

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, a similar discipline, or equivalent practical experience
• Exposure to C++ (or a similar compiled language) through coursework, internships, personal projects, or research; familiarity with Python is a plus
• Foundational understanding of object-oriented software development practices, software testing practices, data structures and algorithms, and software design patterns
• Eagerness to learn quickly, ask questions, and take on new challenges with support from the team
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Internship, co-op, research, or project experience with physics-based modeling and simulation (i.e., modeling spacecraft dynamics, thermal systems, or control algorithms)
• Coursework or project exposure to numerical methods
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems: Attitude determination and control systems (ADCS)
• Guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)
• Thermal control systems
• Electric power systems (EPS)
• Propulsion systems
• Understanding of coordinate frames and transformations (ECI, ECEF, body frame, etc.)
• Exposure to quaternion mathematics and rotation representations
• Introductory knowledge of orbital mechanics and perturbation forces
• Awareness of model validation, verification, and uncertainty quantification concepts
• Experience with version control systems (Git); exposure to CI/CD pipelines a plus

COMPENSATION

Base Salary: Denver: $75,000; Long Beach: $80,000

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Location —Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Colorado Springs. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.

Work environment —the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.

Physical demands —the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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