Software Engineer, Missile Defense Simulation (II - Principal)

True Anomaly • Long Beach, CA

18h • $90,000 - $325,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Modeling and simulation is how True Anomaly turns operational problems into engineering decisions. Before a spacecraft flies or an interceptor engages, our simulations tell us whether the architecture will work, how it will perform against a thinking adversary, and where the margins really are. True Anomaly is seeking a Modeling & Simulation Engineer to build and run the mission- and engagement-level simulations that drive design, concept-of-operations, and acquisition decisions across our space and missile defense portfolio.
You will work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team to model threats, sensors, spacecraft, interceptors, and command-and-control (C2) systems. This role focuses on building credible, validated simulation environments and turning their results into clear recommendations for engineers, program leadership, and government customers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, a similar discipline, or relevant experience
• 2+ years of professional experience in modeling and simulation, mission analysis, or aerospace/defense systems engineering
• Experience modeling at least one of the following: Ballistic, hypersonic, or maneuvering threats; Space-based interceptors or kinetic and non-kinetic engagement; EO/IR, radar, or RF sensor phenomenology and tracking/fusion algorithms; Spacecraft attitude, orbit determination, and RPO; C2, battle management, and weapon-target assignment
• Proficiency in Python and C++ for model development and data analysis
• Working knowledge of orbital mechanics, flight dynamics, or missile/interceptor trajectories
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting technical results to non-specialist audiences
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Experience with Monte Carlo methods, statistical analysis, and data visualization
• U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance

Nice To Haves

• Active DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance; SAP eligibility
• Experience supporting space or missile defense programs (e.g., MDA, SDA, Space Systems Command, Golden Dome)
• Knowledge of numerical methods: ODE solvers and integration schemes (Runge-Kutta, etc.); Estimation and filtering (Kalman filters, batch least squares); Optimization and design of experiments
• Experience with 6DOF simulation and GNC algorithm analysis
• Experience with uncertainty quantification and model VV&A
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and CI/CD pipelines

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain physics-based models for space and missile defense mission analysis, including: Threat trajectories, including ballistic, hypersonic, maneuvering, and on-orbit threats; Space-based and terrestrial sensors (electro-optical/infrared, radar, RF), including detection, tracking, and discrimination performance; Interceptor and spacecraft kinematics, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), and engagement geometry; Rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), orbit determination, and space domain awareness (SDA); Communications links, data latency, and C2/battle management decision logic
• Build engagement- and mission-level simulations that tie these models together for end-to-end kill-chain analysis (detect, track, target, engage, assess)
• Integrate models into digital engineering, software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and distributed simulation environments
• Define and execute model verification, validation, and accreditation (VV&A), and correlate simulation results with test and flight data
• Develop analysis tooling, automation, and visualization in Python and C++
• Collaborate with systems, GNC, payload, software, and flight-test engineers to support requirements development, test planning, and verification
• Participate in code reviews, architectural discussions, and sprint planning sessions to maintain high standards of quality and adherence to project timelines
• Run Monte Carlo, sensitivity, and trade studies, and brief results to internal and government stakeholders

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal