Software Engineer, Missile Defense Simulation (II - Principal)

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.
OUR MISSION
True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.
OUR VALUES
Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.
BENEFITS & PERKS*
Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options
Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave
Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees
And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays
Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company’s success.
*Do not apply to fixed term and temporary roles
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 Colorado Springs. 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
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us know.