Senior Software Engineer I​/II - Simulation Engineering in Littleton

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

The Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Software Engineer I/II – Simulation Engineering to join our team, based out of our Littleton, CO site. In this role, you will focus on designing, developing, and optimizing simulation models and systems to solve complex engineering problems. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams to create high‑fidelity simulations that drive innovation, improve system performance, and support decision‑making processes.

This position is ideal for someone with a strong background in simulation, computational modeling, and software engineering who thrives in solving challenging technical problems.

• Design, develop, and implement simulation models for complex systems and processes.
• Analyze and validate simulation results to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Collaborate with domain experts to define requirements and refine simulation parameters.
• Optimize simulation performance and scalability for large‑scale systems.
• Develop tools and frameworks to support simulation workflows and analysis.
• Integrate simulation models with existing software systems and tools.
• Design and implement graphical user interfaces (GUI) to enhance simulation usability.
• Document simulation methodologies, assumptions, and findings for stakeholders.
• Stay up‑to‑date with advancements in simulation technologies and methodologies.

Note: This position can be hired at the Senior Software Engineer I or Senior Software Engineer II level.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience in simulation engineering, computational modeling, or related fields.
• Proficiency in programming such as Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar.
• Experience with simulation frameworks and tools (e.g., Simulink, ANSYS, COMSOL, or custom‑built simulation engines).
• Experience modeling physical systems such as spacecraft, aircraft, or robotics.
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulations.
• Experience designing and implementing graphical user interfaces (GUI).
• U.S. citizenship required, due to program requirements.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• 8+ years of industry experience in simulation engineering, computational modeling, or related fields.
• Proficiency in programming such as Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar.
• Experience with simulation frameworks and tools (e.g., Simulink, ANSYS, COMSOL, or custom‑built simulation engines).
• Experience modeling physical systems such as spacecraft, aircraft, or robotics.
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulations.
• Experience designing and implementing…