Software Engineer, Spacecraft Simulation

Responsibilities

• Write well-structured, efficient code using modern C++ best practices (C++ 17 / C++ 20), with a particular emphasis on performance and maintainability
• Develop and maintain 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)
• Implement coupled physics algorithms that capture interactions between subsystems (thermal-structural, power-thermal, propulsion-dynamics, etc.)
• Design and implement time-stepping algorithms, solver architectures, and integration schemes for real-time and faster-than-real-time simulation
• Maintain libraries that provide APIs in multiple languages (Python, C++) to other applications within True Anomaly
• Work with other internal teams who leverage our simulation APIs to plan and execute missions, develop advanced algorithms for spacecraft operation, and perform trade-space analyses
• Participate in code reviews, architectural discussions, and sprint planning sessions to maintain high standards of software quality and adherence to project timelines

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, a similar discipline, or relevant experience
• 1-3 years of professional experience in C++
• Experience with the Python programming language for scripting and prototyping applications
• Strong understanding of object-oriented software development practices
• Ability to understand new challenges quickly, formulate a plan, get buy-in, and execute
• Understanding of complex distributed systems, and how the components you design and deliver will fit into those larger systems
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience developing physics-based modeling and simulation environments (i.e., modeling spacecraft dynamics, thermal systems, or control algorithms)
• Knowledge of numerical methods: ODE solvers and integration schemes (Runge-Kutta, etc.)
• Numerical linear algebra and matrix computations
• Sparse matrix techniques
• Experience 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.)
• Experience with quaternion mathematics and rotation representations
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics and perturbation forces
• Familiarity with model validation, verification, and uncertainty quantification
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and CI/CD pipelines