Software Engineer Principal 2 - Missile Defense Simulation

YOUR MISSION

Modeling and simulation is how True Anomaly turns operational problems into engineering decisions. Before a spacecraft flies or an interceptor engages, our simulations tell us whether the architecture will work, how it will perform against a thinking adversary, and where the margins really are. True Anomaly is seeking a Modeling & Simulation Engineer to build and run the mission- and engagement-level simulations that drive design, concept-of-operations, and acquisition decisions across our space and missile defense portfolio.

You will work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team to model threats, sensors, spacecraft, interceptors, and command-and-control (C2) systems. This role focuses on building credible, validated simulation environments and turning their results into clear recommendations for engineers, program leadership, and government customers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain physics-based models for space and missile defense mission analysis, including:
  • Threat trajectories, including ballistic, hypersonic, maneuvering, and on-orbit threats
  • Space-based and terrestrial sensors (electro-optical/infrared, radar, RF), including detection, tracking, and discrimination performance
  • Interceptor and spacecraft kinematics, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), and engagement geometry
  • Rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), orbit determination, and space domain awareness (SDA)
  • Communications links, data latency, and C2/battle management decision logic
• Build engagement- and mission-level simulations that tie these models together for end-to-end kill-chain analysis (detect, track, target, engage, assess)
• Integrate models into digital engineering, software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and distributed simulation environments
• Define and execute model verification, validation, and accreditation (VV&A), and correlate simulation results with test and flight data
• Develop analysis tooling, automation, and visualization in Python and C++
• Collaborate with systems, GNC, payload, software, and flight-test engineers to support requirements development, test planning, and verification
• Participate in code reviews, architectural discussions, and sprint planning sessions to maintain high standards of quality and adherence to project timelines
• Run Monte Carlo, sensitivity, and trade studies, and brief results to internal and government stakeholders

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, a similar discipline, or relevant experience
• 2+ years of professional experience in modeling and simulation, mission analysis, or aerospace/defense systems engineering
• Experience modeling at least one of the following:
  • Ballistic, hypersonic, or maneuvering threats
  • Space-based interceptors or kinetic and non-kinetic engagement
  • EO/IR, radar, or RF sensor phenomenology and tracking/fusion algorithms
  • Spacecraft attitude, orbit determination, and RPO
  • C2, battle management, and weapon-target assignment
• Proficiency in Python and C++ for model development and data analysis
• Working knowledge of orbital mechanics, flight dynamics, or missile/interceptor trajectories
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting technical results to non-specialist audiences
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Experience with Monte Carlo methods, statistical analysis, and data visualization
• U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Active DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance; SAP eligibility
• Experience supporting space or missile defense programs (e.g., MDA, SDA, Space Systems Command, Golden Dome)
• Knowledge of numerical methods:
  • ODE solvers and integration schemes (Runge-Kutta, etc.)
  • Estimation and filtering (Kalman filters, batch least squares)
  • Optimization and design of experiments
• Experience with 6DOF simulation and GNC algorithm analysis
• Experience with uncertainty quantification and model VV&A
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and CI/CD pipelines

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary: $90,000 - $325,000
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.

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