Senior Software Engineer, Spacecraft Simulation
Senior engineer who designs and builds high-fidelity, multi-physics spacecraft simulation software — 6DOF rigid-body dynamics, thermal, power, propulsion, and sensor/actuator models — in modern C++ with Python APIs. Mentors junior engineers, drives architecture decisions, and works hybrid on-site near Denver or Long Beach.
- Compensation
- $140K–$215K / yr
- Location
- Denver, CO; Long Beach, CA
- Work setup
- Hybrid
- Seniority
- Senior
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Category
- Software engineering
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor's in aerospace/mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or equivalent experience
- 5–8 years professional software development with focus on simulation, scientific computing, or aerospace
- Proficiency in modern C++ (C++17 or newer): STL, templates, performance optimization
- Python proficiency: API design, scripting, data analysis
- Ability to drive ambiguous requirements to delivered capability with minimal direction
- Domain knowledge in at least one of: ADCS, GNC, thermal control, electric power systems, chemical/electric propulsion, orbital mechanics, HIL/SIL systems
- Experience defining and executing V&V plans for physics-based models, including uncertainty quantification and validation against test/flight data
- Systems thinking: sound design decisions within larger distributed systems
- Strong written and verbal communication
- U.S. Citizen eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance
- U.S. person status per ITAR (citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual)
- Located near Denver or Long Beach; some on-site work required (hybrid)
Nice to have
- Physics-based M&S experience in aerospace or defense
- Numerical methods: ODE/DAE solvers (Runge-Kutta, implicit, multi-step), numerical linear algebra, sparse matrices, automatic differentiation
- Deep familiarity with coordinate frames (ECI, ECEF, LVLH, body), quaternion mathematics, orbital mechanics
- Proficiency with Git, CI/CD, CMake or Bazel, and software testing frameworks
- Familiarity with parallel computing, Docker, and cloud platforms
- Experience with HIL/SIL testing environments, including simulation interfaces to flight software or embedded hardware
Full description
Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.
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.
BENEFITS & PERKS*
- Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options
- Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave
- Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees
- And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays
- Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company’s success.
*Do not apply to fixed term and temporary roles
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 a Senior Spacecraft Simulation Software Engineer to drive the development and enhancement of our spacecraft, constellation modeling, and simulation software with a focus on multi-physics, high-fidelity simulation.
You will take ownership of significant technical components within our simulation infrastructure, working independently to design, implement, and deliver complex features. Working in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team, you will develop algorithms for modeling coupled physics including 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) rigid body dynamics, thermal systems, attitude dynamics and control, power systems, propulsion, and their interactions. You will also mentor junior engineers and contribute to architectural decisions that shape the future of our simulation capabilities.