Develop and maintain high-fidelity physics-based simulations of space vehicle dynamics, sensors, actuators, and propulsion. Integrate simulations with HIL testbeds, validate models against test data, support system-level analysis, verification, and mission planning, and contribute simulation tools.
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.
Impulse Space El Segundo, California, USA Office
El Segundo, CA, United States, 90245
Similar Jobs
Aerospace • Information Technology • Software • Cybersecurity • Design • Defense • Manufacturing
Develops and integrates hardware, simulation software, algorithms, interfaces, and test plans for aerospace system integration laboratories and flight management simulators. Leads requirements analysis, architecture, software and hardware design, testing, milestone reviews, supplier integration, fielded-system support, and technology research. The role supports multiple airplane programs and requires expertise in software systems engineering, embedded software, Agile delivery, system testing, and technical leadership.
Top Skills:
AgileEmbedded SoftwareFlight Management Systems (Fms)Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation (Hils)NetworksSimulation SystemsSoftware TestingSystem Integration Labs (Sil)Systems Architecture
Aerospace • Information Technology • Software • Cybersecurity • Design • Defense • Manufacturing
Develops system-level models, simulations, requirements, architectures, and analyses for space-based satellite systems. Supports constellation design, digital communications, orbital analysis, system trades, risk management, verification, and lifecycle engineering. Builds or uses software tools for performance, capacity, availability, scheduling, resource allocation, and communication link analysis. Collaborates with systems engineers and customers across concept development, design, integration, testing, demonstrations, and operations support.
Top Skills:
C++JavaMatlabMbseNomagic CameoPythonSysml
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Machine Learning • Software • Defense • Manufacturing
Develop and enhance high-fidelity, multi-physics spacecraft simulation software covering dynamics, thermal systems, propulsion, power, sensors, and actuators. Design performant C++ and Python APIs, numerical solvers, integration schemes, and coupled-physics algorithms. Lead architectural decisions, verification and validation, documentation, code reviews, technical planning, and mentoring while collaborating with mission planning, GNC, and systems engineering teams.
Top Skills:
Automatic DifferentiationBazelC++C++17Ci/CdCloud PlatformsCmakeDockerGitHilNumerical Linear AlgebraOde/Dae SolversPythonSilSparse Matrix TechniquesStl
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering

