Vehicle Emulator Software Engineer

Vehicle Emulator Software Engineer

We need a team member passionate about human space exploration to develop high‑fidelity software emulators that replicate the behavior, dynamics, and interfaces of spacecraft during birthing and docking operations. This hands‑on engineering role supports mission design, subsystem verification, operator training, hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, and integrated simulations for human spaceflight programs.

• Spacecraft Docking & Birthing Simulation:
  • Develop physics‑based models and behaviors representing spacecraft docking, berthing/birthing mechanisms, close proximity operations, and contact dynamics.
  • Implement docking system logic (e.g., latching sequences, alignment cues, force‑moment interactions) in simulation/emulator environments.
  • Collaborate with docking system SMEs and review findings from docking relevant meetings to ensure emulator fidelity aligns with the current system design and integration expectations.
• Software & Emulator Development:
  • Build and maintain real‑time vehicle emulators via simulation frameworks.
  • Develop C/C++ and Python modules that interface with flight software environments, GNC simulations, autonomy prototypes, or operator consoles.
  • Design emulated subsystems such as propulsion, docking sensors, avionics, guidance and relative navigation, joint mechanisms, and system health interfaces.
• Integration & Test Support:
  • Integrate emulators into larger software‑in‑the‑loop and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testbeds used by mission operations, subsystem teams, and integrated product teams.
  • Support verification scenarios, timing synchronization, fault injection, and operational edge cases relevant to docking/berthing.
  • Diagnose emulator to flight software integration issues and provide robust technical solutions.
• Documentation &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  
  • Create detailed emulator documentation including model assumptions, interface definitions, execution steps, and limitations.
  • Maintain clear and thorough code comments, Git README files, and configuration guides.
  • Track development items and respond to time‑sensitive work through JIRA.
  • Generate technical content for design reviews, emulator demonstrations, and integration tag‑ups.
• Agile & Cross‑Team Coordination:
  • Work in a high‑tempo Agile environment supporting multiple parallel test efforts.
  • Communicate effectively with subsystem engineers, simulation architects, systems engineers, and test leads.
  • Provide rapid, high‑quality updates and maintain a strong customer‑support attitude for internal simulator users.

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in engineering or computer science with relevant software or simulation experience.
• 2–5 years of experience in spacecraft simulations or safety‑critical software development.
• Experience developing or integrating spacecraft simulations, safety‑critical software, or high‑fidelity modeling tools.
• Strong skills in C/C++ (Linux) and Python, and software architecture for simulation.
• Familiarity with web‑based collaboration and Agile development tools.
• Background in safety critical or flight critical simulation or software development.
• Experience with Git Lab, Confluence, JIRA, SQL, QT, MS Teams, or Slack.
• Experience with automated testing frameworks and time‑synchronized simulation testing.
• Experience with AI and software development.

• Experience with spacecraft docking systems, berthing mechanisms, robotics interfaces, or proximity operations algorithms.
• NASA ecosystem experience (Gateway, MAST, Orion related systems, ISS docking standards, or NASA standard software processes).
• Experience with automated testing frameworks and time‑synchronized simulation testing.
• Experience with AI and software development.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement benefits including 401(k) matching.
• Educational reimbursement.
• Parental leave.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Tax‑saving options.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Pet insurance.
• Excellent personal and professional career growth.
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off) when applicable.
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast and lunch).

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