This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer to grow within a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team. You will learn from experienced engineers as you help develop algorithms for modeling complex coupled physics including 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) rigid body dynamics, thermal systems, attitude dynamics and control, power systems, propulsion, and their interactions. You'll contribute to the simulation infrastructure that enables engineers to design spacecraft, validate control algorithms, analyze system performance, and predict mission outcomes with high confidence.
This is a 3 month temporary employment engagement. There is potential to convert to regular employment based on performance and business need.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Write well-structured, efficient code using modern C++ (C++ 17 / C++ 20), with attention to performance and maintainability, guided by code reviews and team standards
Contribute to 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)
Help implement coupled physics algorithms that capture interactions between subsystems (thermal-structural, power-thermal, propulsion-dynamics, etc.), with guidance from senior engineers
Assist in developing and testing time-stepping algorithms, solvers, and integration schemes for real-time and faster-than-real-time simulation
Help maintain libraries that provide APIs in multiple languages (Python, C++) to other applications within True Anomaly
Collaborate with other internal teams who leverage our simulation APIs to plan and execute missions, develop algorithms for spacecraft operation, and perform trade-space analyses
Participate in code reviews, architectural discussions, and sprint planning sessions, learning and applying our software quality standards and delivery practices
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, a similar discipline, or equivalent practical experience
Exposure to C++ (or a similar compiled language) through coursework, internships, personal projects, or research; familiarity with Python is a plus
Foundational understanding of object-oriented software development practices, software testing practices, data structures and algorithms, and software design patterns
Eagerness to learn quickly, ask questions, and take on new challenges with support from the team
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Internship, co-op, research, or project experience with physics-based modeling and simulation (i.e., modeling spacecraft dynamics, thermal systems, or control algorithms)
Coursework or project exposure to numerical methods
Familiarity 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.)
Exposure to quaternion mathematics and rotation representations
Introductory knowledge of orbital mechanics and perturbation forces
Awareness of model validation, verification, and uncertainty quantification concepts
Experience with version control systems (Git); exposure to CI/CD pipelines a plus
COMPENSATION
Base Salary: Denver: $75,000; Long Beach: $80,000
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Long Beach. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.
This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us know.
To protect candidates and our company from application fraud and impersonation, we use third-party tools to verify applicant identity and detect fraudulent applications. Learn more in our Privacy Notice.
