10+ years of experience in real-time simulations of complex systems
3+ years of experience leading a simulation team
Proficiency in integrating simulations with vehicle software
Extensive experience in simulation and model verification and validation
Demonstrated ability in vehicle dynamics modeling and numerical integration
Proficient in modeling real-world sensors and actuators
Strong programming skills in C++ and Python
Responsibilities
Direct the simulation team and manage technical work
Develop simulation infrastructure and vehicle models
Integrate simulation with vehicle software and test tools
Support long-term strategic planning for simulation capabilities
Handle short-term tactical priorities for simulation projects
Perform hands-on work to improve simulation performance
Lead verification and validation of simulation models
Benefits
Join a team of top engineers in planetary exploration
Equity ownership opportunities
Comprehensive health coverage including mental health support
401(k) plan with company matching
Generous PTO and parental leave policies
Reimbursement for home office setup
Weekly lunch stipend and on-site snacks
Monthly social hour with food and drinks
Full Job Description
Lead Simulation Engineer
Department: Software Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, California
Reporting To: Denise Brown
Compensation: $142,000 - $235,000 / year
Description
The lead simulation engineer will be responsible for directing the technical work of the simulation team, including development of the simulation infrastructure, vehicle models, and integration of the simulation with vehicle software and automated integrated test tools. The lead simulation engineer will support long-term strategic planning of simulation scope and capabilities with the larger software team and manage the short term tactical priorities. This position is a technical leadership position with an expectation that the lead will also be doing hands on work as part of the simulation team, especially in the realm of integration with other tools and simulation performance improvements.
What you'll do:
Work with GNC and software team stakeholders to define the architecture of Astrolab's GNC and flight software (FSW) verification simulation environment
Work with GNC and software team stakeholders to determine simulation milestones and development priorities based on stakeholder needs and vehicle schedule
Manage day to day simulation development to ensure the defined architecture is delivered on time to stakeholders for each agreed-upon milestone, including defining sprint priorities, assigning tasks to developers, and ensuring tasks are completed on schedule
Develop simulation verification and validation (V&V) plan and execute the plan to ensure that the simulation has appropriate levels of V&V for each milestone delivery to stakeholders
Support development of environment, vehicle, and hardware models to ensure the right elements are modeled to the proper level of fidelity
Provide significant technical support for integrating the simulation with the GNC prototype environment, vehicle FSW running in software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop modes, and with FSW test infrastructure
What you'll bring:
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience architecting and developing real-time or accelerated (faster-than-real-time) simulations of complex systems, such as spacecraft, aircraft, automobiles, robotic systems, or similar platforms. Experience must include development of vehicle and/or subsystem models, operating environment models, and simulation infrastructure
Experience leading simulation development efforts and integrating simulation environments with vehicle software, embedded software, or flight software running in software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), or similar testing environments
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with simulation verification and validation (V&V), Monte Carlo or statistical performance analysis, and performance optimization for real-time or accelerated simulation execution
Experience developing vehicle dynamics models, including rigid-body and/or flexible-body dynamics, suspension systems, terramechanics, and numerical integration techniques
Experience developing simulations for extraterrestrial rovers or planetary surface vehicles, including the use of relevant planetary environment models such as lunar gravity, Mars gravity, atmospheric, or terrain models
Experience modeling sensors, actuators, and associated error sources
Experience implementing fault-injection capabilities in simulation environments
Proficiency in C++ and Python software development
Experience planning work scope, establishing technical milestones, and guiding simulation teams to successful delivery
Benefits and Perks
Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
Equity ownership in the company
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
401(k) plan with company match
Flexible PTO and parental leave
Home office set up reimbursement
Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks
