Space Constellation Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Socket.dev; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

RSUs

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Space Systems Modeling and Analysis Engineer to build high-fidelity, parallelizable models of multi-orbit constellations for SATCOM, NAVWAR, SBST, and MWT missions. You will develop simulations spanning LEO, MEO, and GEO to assess performance and resilience, informing architecture decisions in contested environments.

You will work with systems engineers and government stakeholders to translate requirements into simulation parameters, performing trade studies and reporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline.
• 3+ years developing physics-based models and simulations of space systems (orbital mechanics, constellation design, RF link analysis, or sensor coverage).
• Experience modeling systems across multiple orbital regimes (LEO, MEO, GEO).
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C++ for numerical modeling and data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with parallelizable or high-performance computing approaches for large-scale simulations.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and maintain high-fidelity models of multi-orbit constellations for SATCOM, NAVWAR, SBST, and MWT mission areas.
• Design and execute large-scale, parallelizable simulations to evaluate constellation performance, coverage, and resilience under nominal and degraded conditions.
• Perform trade studies and sensitivity analyses on constellation design parameters, sensor geometries, and network topologies.
• Model ground segment architectures including radar systems, ground entry points, and ground-based command and control infrastructure.
• Model space-based threats including maneuverable satellites, counter-space systems, and electromagnetic warfare effects on space architectures.
• Model Alt-PNT frameworks including timing budget analysis and navigation warfare scenarios.
• Analyze Space Data Network architectures including space-to-space crosslinks, exchange points, and network service orchestration.
• Develop sensor performance models for multi-phenomenology detection across missile warning and MTI missions.
• Support architecture decisions by quantifying system resilience, capacity, and performance under adversarial conditions.
• Produce technical documentation, trade study reports, and briefings for engineering and program leadership.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, mission architects, and government stakeholders to translate operational requirements into simulation parameters.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Constellation design

RF link analysis

Python

MATLAB

C++

Parallel computing

U.S. citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

STK

GMAT

Monte Carlo engines

Job description

Socket.dev is seeking a Space Systems Modeling and Analysis Engineer to build high-fidelity, parallelizable models of multi-orbit constellations for SATCOM, NAVWAR, SBST, and MWT missions. You will develop simulations spanning LEO, MEO, and GEO to assess performance and resilience, informing architecture decisions in contested environments.

You will work with systems engineers and government stakeholders to translate requirements into simulation parameters, performing trade studies and reporting