Generative Spacecraft Design Software Engineer; ML​/AI

Role Overview

Oligo builds vertically integrated infrastructure for automated spacecraft design and manufacturing. Our AI software stack,
Zenith
, turns raw mission requirements into flight-ready spacecraft using a pipeline of agentic AI systems
, embedded simulation
, and hardware-in-the-loop validation
.

We’re hiring a Software Engineer with a background in ML/AI to help advance core algorithms used for generative design, simulation-aware geometry creation, and multi-domain system optimization
. You’ll work alongside spacecraft engineers and flight software developers to build AI that doesn t just simulate reality—but designs it.

This is a hands-on, high-leverage role for early-career engineers interested in applying cutting-edge AI to real-world hardware. You’ll learn spacecraft engineering, astrodynamics, and manufacturability by building models that directly influence how our satellites fly.

• Develop and deploy vision-language models (VLMs) that parse technical documents, datasheets, and system specs into structured engineering constraints.

• Build and train reinforcement learning agents that explore multivariable design spaces—balancing structural, thermal, orbital, and manufacturability objectives.

• Design and run CNN-based topology optimizers (e.g., U-Net + FEniCSx) for reducing mass in structural components while maintaining stiffness and compliance.

• Construct multi-agent AI systems that simulate, evaluate, decompose, and iteratively redesign spacecraft configurations using embedded physics models.

• Contribute to our infrastructure for automated, high-context model training using flight data, past simulations, and test results—enabling real-time design intelligence.

• Work on automated system decomposition engines that convert high-level mission goals into detailed subsystem design specifications.

• Interface with physical simulation tools (Ansys, GMAT, Thermal Desktop) and CAD environments (Open Cascade, Cad Query) to ground designs in physical constraints.

• Collaborate daily with engineers building the real hardware—what you code will be tested in thermal chambers, vibration tables, and flown on orbit.

• Bachelor’s/Masters degree (or final semester) in Computer Science, ML/AI, Engineering, or a related technical field (or willing to leave existing program)

• Experience in ML/AI through research, personal projects, or internships (not just coursework).

• 2+ years of experience building advanced ML systems (deep learning, RL, planning, or LLM agent frameworks).

• Strong proficiency in Python
  , including PyTorch, JAX, or Tensor Flow, and modern tooling (e.g., Lang Chain, Ray, FastAPI, DVC, Docker).

• Experience working on one or more of the following:

  • Vision-language models (e.g., transformers, CLIP, Flamingo-like systems)

  • Reinforcement learning for constrained optimization or control

  • CNN architectures for image-based optimization tasks (e.g., SIMP replacement)

  • Simulation-aware ML pipelines, physics-informed ML, or surrogate modeling

• Ability to think clearly about tradeoffs between simulation fidelity, inference speed, and manufacturability.

• Experience integrating with CAD kernels (Open Cascade, Onshape API, or Solid Works API), FEA tools, or mechanical simulation frameworks.

• Familiarity with prompt engineering, tool calling, memory routing, and multi-agent system design.

• Hands-on ability to prototype, build, and debug hardware systems—bonus if you’ve worked with microcontrollers, sensors, or test rigs.

• You ve worked on engineering project teams, design/build competitions, or research groups focused on real hardware or systems.

• Familiarity with spacecraft concepts, astrodynamics, or control systems is helpful but not required

• Salary range: $110,000 - $164,000 / per year.

• This role is on-site in Hawthorne, CA

• Equity

• Unlimited PTO

• Medical (Platinum coverage), Vision, & Dental Insurance

• Catering provided on-site everyday.

You may be eligible for our suite of benefits including medical, vision & dental coverage.