Hiring: Principal Software Engineer, Spacecraft Simulation Company: True Anomaly Location: Long Beach, CA Job Posted Time: 2026-09-16 10:29:05 Employment Type: On-site Target Skills & Keywords : API Design, Bazel, C++, CI/CD, CMake, Docker, Embedded Systems, Git, Linear, Python, Systems Design About the job Experience: •Hypersonic modeling: Experience developing high-fidelity aerothermal, aerodynamic, and flight dynamics models for hypersonic vehicles, including coupled aero-thermal-structural effects, shock layer physics, and boundary layer modeling •Advanced physics-based M&S: Extensive experience delivering validated, production-grade simulation capabilities for aerospace or defense programs at scale •Numerical methods: Expert-level knowledge of ODE/DAE solvers, numerical linear algebra, sparse matrix techniques, and automatic differentiation; experience tuning solvers for stiff, multi-rate, or real-time-constrained problems •Astrodynamics & kinematics: Deep familiarity with the core concepts of space domain dynamics modeling •Software engineering excellence: Expert proficiency with Git, CI/CD, CMake or Bazel, and testing frameworks; experience establishing engineering standards at the team or org level Required Skills: •Own the long-term technical strategy and architectural roadmap for True Anomaly's simulation infrastructure, spanning multi-physics modeling, real-time, faster-than-real-time execution, and hardware/software-in-the-loop environments •Make high-consequence architectural decisions — technology selection, inter-system interface design, performance targets, and long-term maintainability tradeoffs — with full awareness of downstream impact across engineering, GNC, mission planning, and operations •Identify and resolve fundamental technical risks before they become program-level blockers; anticipate capability gaps 12–24 months out and drive proactive investment •Establish and steward engineering standards, simulation best practices, and V&V frameworks adopted across the organization •Simulation Development •Architect and implement tightly coupled physics algorithms capturing complex subsystem interactions (thermal-structural, power-thermal, propulsion-dynamics) with rigorous attention to numerical stability, accuracy, and performance •Design advanced time-stepping algorithms, solver architectures, and integration schemes that support scalable, real-time, and batch simulation use cases •Write production-quality C++ with emphasis on performance, correctness, maintainability, and testability; establish the quality bar others rise to meet Qualifications: •C++: Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ (C++17 or newer), including STL, templates, performance optimization, and large-scale system design •Python: Proficiency in API design, scripting, automation, and data analysis •Technical leadership: Proven track record of setting technical direction for large, complex software systems and driving multi-team efforts to delivered capability •Domain knowledge: Deep expertise in two or more of: ADCS, GNC, thermal control, electric power systems, chemical/electric propulsion, orbital mechanics, or HIL/SIL systems •V&V: Demonstrated experience defining and executing verification and validation frameworks for physics-based models at scale, including uncertainty quantification and validation against test or flight data •Systems thinking: Ability to make sound architectural decisions within complex, distributed systems •Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication; able to articulate complex technical concepts to both engineering peers and non-technical leadership stakeholders •Work Location—this role is fully onsite. Candidates must be based in or able to commute to our Denver or Long Beach office daily. Compensation: •$210,000 - $325,000 / year •Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave Interested candidates, please apply directly through the job posting on company's career page or try via AI auto apply on this platform. Don't miss this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team!