Lead the technical development of simulation infrastructure, vehicle and environment models, and integration with GNC, flight software, and automated testing systems. Define simulation architecture, milestones, V&V plans, and development priorities; coordinate team execution; and perform hands-on integration and performance optimization. The role supports SIL and HIL testing, vehicle dynamics modeling, fault injection, and simulation validation for lunar rover and planetary vehicle systems.
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
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.
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
About
Having a strong, inclusive, and inspired team is essential to accomplishing our bold mission. Employees are our biggest asset, and we are deeply committed to them and our values. At Astrolab we…Demonstrate and inspire trust. Interactions are direct, honest, and respectful. We are fair and transparent with what we do and why.Thrive in balance. Balance gives us perspective and keeps us motivated and inspired. We commit to rewarding work and a fulfilling personal life. Seek diverse perspectives. We ask questions, engage in productive debate and offer alternatives to ensure our solutions and products are robust and a reflection of our collective best.Move with purpose. Quality and reliability are accomplished through efficient ideation and iteration. We act with a sense of urgency and deliver what we promise, always with the big picture in mind.Make an impact. We intentionally move our community and industry into the future through our work, practices, and actions.
Astrolab, Inc. Hawthorne, California, USA Office
Hawthorne, CA, United States
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