Develop and maintain high-fidelity physics-based simulations of vehicle dynamics, sensors, actuators, and propulsion; integrate simulations into HIL testbeds; validate models with test data; support system analysis, trade studies, verification/validation, and mission rehearsals; contribute to simulation tooling and software workflows.
As a Simulation Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining high-fidelity simulations of space vehicle dynamics, sensors, actuators, and propulsion systems, with the potential to expand into other subsystems. You will work closely with GNC, software, and test teams to ensure accurate modeling and analysis to support design, verification, and mission planning efforts for Mira, Helios, and more.
Responsibilities
- Develop physics-based models of vehicle dynamics, reaction systems, propulsion systems, and other subsystems as needed.
- Integrate simulation framework into hardware-in-the-loop testbeds.
- Collaborate with engineers across disciplines to validate simulation models and behaviors against analysis and test data.
- Support system-level analysis, trade studies, and performance assessments.
- Contribute to software and tool development to improve simulation workflows.
- Provide simulation support for verification and validation of flight software.
- Participate in simulation reviews, test readiness reviews, and mission dress rehearsals.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Math, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in modeling and simulation of physical systems.
- Proficiency in C++ and Python.
- Strong understanding of dynamics, thermodynamics, and/or fluid mechanics.
- Experience with version control systems such as Git.
- Experience with LabView.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
- Experience with space vehicle dynamics, propulsion, and/or thermal systems modeling.
- Familiarity with multi-disciplinary simulation tools (e.g., Modelica, Simscape, or Amesim).
- Experience with software-in-the-loop (SIL) or hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and manage multiple priorities.
- Experience in developing with NI-DAQmx APIs.
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
About
Impulse Space, the in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, is opening access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with its fleet of in-space transportation vehicles. The high-energy Helios vehicle unlocks orbits beyond LEO with its powerful Deneb engine, dropping off payloads in MEO, GEO, heliocentric, lunar, and other planetary orbits. The flight-proven Mira vehicle uses a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to offer orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry services to customers throughout LEO. Led by a team that delivered the most reliable rockets in history, Impulse provides economical and efficient in-space transportation by reliably and rapidly getting customers where they want to go.
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