2027 Aerospace Software and Simulation Engineer
About The Position
The Vehicle Systems Software Department (VSSD) performs independent verification and validation of flight software embedded within avionics systems aboard launch vehicles, spacecraft, and other vehicle systems. The department provides technical oversight throughout the flight software development process, from requirements definition through day-of-launch and on-orbit operations, and develops high-fidelity closed-loop hardware and software testbeds to assess flight readiness. The Aerospace Software and Simulation Engineer will test and analyze embedded software for mission-critical space systems and develop and maintain simulations supporting software validation, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and day-of-launch mission assurance. The role also involves modeling space-system components and developing tools and techniques to enhance analysis and simulation capabilities. The selected candidate must work full time on-site at the El Segundo, California facility and be willing to travel domestically approximately 10% as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field, pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months.
- 0–1 year of industry work experience.
- Experience in aerospace systems, flight software development, modeling and simulation, or a related engineering field.
- Experience providing technical support in complex environments involving customers, program offices, engineering support, and contractors.
- Relevant project experience in dynamics, control systems, control algorithm design, or modeling and simulation.
- Experience programming in Python, Java, or C/C++.
- Experience with version control systems and Linux/Unix environments.
- Understanding of software testing methodologies and best practices.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work well in a team environment.
- Organizational, time management, and project management skills.
- Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs.
- Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal and external organizations.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field, pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months.
- Experience in Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC), modeling and simulation, embedded systems engineering, flight software engineering, or related industry experience.
- Knowledge of spacecraft flight software frameworks such as NASA cFS or JPL FSW, or safety-critical software certification standards such as DO-178C or ISO 26262.
- Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test systems.
- Experience with model-based design tools such as Simulink or Modelica.
- Familiarity with launch vehicles and satellite payloads, their relationships to other subsystems, and mission-level performance.
- Experience developing and/or testing real-time embedded software.
- Experience working with the Atlassian tool suite, including JIRA, Bitbucket, and Confluence.
- Active Secret clearance or higher.
Responsibilities
- Conduct tests and perform analyses of software systems embedded within launch vehicles, spacecraft, CubeSats, and other mission-critical components of space systems.
- Participate in developing and maintaining simulations for software validation, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and day-of-launch mission assurance activities.
- Develop models of space-system components, including sensors, actuators, and vehicle dynamics, for software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and emulator-based simulators.
- Develop tools and techniques to enhance analysis and simulation capabilities.
- Follow software and system best practices, collaborate with team members, and deliver quality products and reviews to customers.
- Travel domestically to customer sites, launch facilities, or test locations approximately 10% as required.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
- 401(k) plan with company-paid contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
- Relocation assistance.
- Professional growth and development programs.
- Education assistance programs.
- Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
