Trace3

Sr. Software Engineer, Modeling & Simulation

Trace3$140K — $170K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree with 4+ years of experience, or Master's Degree with 2+ years; alternative: 8+ years of professional experience
  • Experience in modeling and simulation or physics-based systems
  • Proficient in software engineering using Python, Java, or similar languages
  • Knowledge of astrodynamics fundamentals, including orbital propagation and event modeling
  • Capable of integrating data sources and building simulation pipelines
  • Strong collaboration skills with engineers and product stakeholders
  • Experience with Docker or OCI-compliant containerization methods
  • Familiarity with ATLAS GraphQL APIs or similar patterns
  • DoD 8570 compliant; CompTIA Security+ is a plus
  • Background in space operations or SDA systems.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and integrate launch and space event modeling capabilities for training
  • Modernize and containerize M&S capabilities in the ATLAS architecture
  • Collaborate with experts to ensure the accuracy of models
  • Create foundational M&S capabilities supporting event-generation workflows
  • Support the entire software development lifecycle from design to test
  • Participate in quarterly travel to support integration and test events

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for you and dependents
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
  • 529 College Savings Plan and Health Savings Account
  • Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability coverage
  • Access to training and development programs
  • Stocked offices with snacks and beverages
  • Strong focus on work-life balance and generous paid time off
Full Job Description
JOB SUMMARY:

Join the team to support mission critical space domain awareness (SDA) capabilities that directly serve the U.S. Space Force. In this role, you will develop core Modeling & Simulation (M&S) software used to model and simulate launch and orbital events, vehicle behaviors, and observation generation within the ATLAS architecture.

This position is ideal for an engineer with experience in astrodynamics, physics-based modeling, or M&S system development who wants to shape next generation operational tools. You will work closely with experienced ATLAS engineers to translate established orbital event generation concepts into new production M&S code, containerize key supporting tools, integrate workflow components, and ensure accurate ingestion and generation of mission data. This role offers the opportunity to work on meaningful national security problems while contributing directly to real world operational software.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Develop, translate, and integrate external launch and space event M&S capabilities for SDA training and exercises.
  • Containerize, modernize, and integrate current M&S capabilities into the ATLAS Test, Training, and Exercise (TTX) software architecture.
  • Collaborate with physics and M&S subject-matter experts to ensure accuracy and consistency of models.
  • Develop foundational M&S capabilities to support event-generation workflows, ephemeris generation, state-vector conversion, predicted observations, and step-wise data ingestion for ATLAS TTX.
  • Support the full software development lifecycle including design, implementation, integration, and test.
  • Quarterly travel to Vandenberg SFB, approximately 10%, may be required to support integration and test events.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor's Degree and 4+ years of relevant experience; Graduate Degree and 2+ years of related experience; or, in lieu of a degree, 8+ years of professional experience in related fields.
  • Professional experience developing M&S or physics-based simulation systems.
  • Hands-on software engineering experience using Python, Java, or similar languages.
  • Understanding of astrodynamics fundamentals such as orbital propagation, ephemeris generation, and event modeling.
  • Experience integrating data sources and building workflow-based simulation pipelines.
  • Ability to collaborate closely with engineers, testers, and product stakeholders.
  • Experience with containerization, including Docker or OCI-compliant systems.
  • Familiarity with ATLAS GraphQL APIs or similar data querying patterns.
  • DoD 8570 compliant; CompTIA Security+ is a plus.
  • Background in space operations, SDA systems, or orbital M&S tools.

EDUCATION: Bachelors with 4+ or Master with 2+ Years of Experience

LOCATION: Full Time/ On-Site in Colorado Springs, CO

CLEARANCE REQUIRMENT: Possess or have the ability to obtain a Secret clearance, at a minimum.

DOD 8570 REQUIREMENT: IAT - Level II

SALARY RANGE: $140,000 to $ 170,000

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
  • Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
  • Operate a computer, keyboard, and other office equipment using hands and fingers.
  • Communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and through electronic means.
  • Occasionally move about the office to access files, office equipment, and meeting spaces.
  • Lift and/or move up to 15 pounds as needed.
  • Maintain specific vision abilities, including close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position is performed within a secure, classified workspace. Employees must comply with all applicable security protocols and access control procedures, including restrictions on personal electronic devices and the handling of sensitive information.

Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ. Certain positions may also be eligible for variable incentive compensation, such as bonuses or commissions, that is not included in the base salary.

Estimated Pay Range

$140,000-$170,000 USD

The Perks
  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Training and development programs
  • Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages
  • Collaborative and cool culture
  • Work-life balance and generous paid time off


About Trace3

Trace3, Inc. is an Irvine, CA-based Information technology company and managed service provider. The company provides IT Operations Analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, machine learning, artificial intelligence, big data intelligence, Internet of Things consulting and data center services for businesses.
Learn more about Trace3

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