Entry Level Physicist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

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.

• 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.

Software is the central nervous system for True Anomaly's engineering and product thesis. Software bridges the gap between military objectives, theoretical physics, and the human and autonomous control of spacecraft and ground systems. True Anomaly is seeking an entry-level Spacecraft Simulation Software Engineer to help build and extend our spacecraft, constellation modeling, and simulation software with a focus on multi-physics, high-fidelity simulation.

This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer to grow within a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team. You will learn from experienced engineers as you help develop algorithms for modeling complex coupled physics including 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) rigid body dynamics, thermal systems, attitude dynamics and control, power systems, propulsion, and their interactions. You'll contribute to the simulation infrastructure that enables engineers to design spacecraft, validate control algorithms, analyze system performance, and predict mission outcomes with high confidence.

This is a 3 month temporary employment engagement. There is potential to convert to regular employment based on performance and business need.

• Write well-structured, efficient code using modern C++ (C++ 17 / C++ 20), with attention to performance and maintainability, guided by code reviews and team standards


• Contribute to multi-physics simulation libraries for spacecraft systems modeling, including:


• 6DOF rigid body dynamics with environmental perturbations (gravity gradient, solar radiation pressure, atmospheric drag, magnetic torques)


• Thermal modeling including conduction, radiation, and solar heating


• Attitude dynamics and control system simulation


• Propulsion system modeling (thrusters, tanks, mass properties)


• Power generation and distribution (solar arrays, batteries, loads)


• Sensor and actuator models (reaction wheels, star trackers, gyros, magnetometers, thrusters)


• Help implement coupled physics algorithms that capture interactions between subsystems (thermal-structural, power-thermal, propulsion-dynamics, etc.), with guidance from senior engineers


• Assist in developing and testing time-stepping algorithms, solvers, and integration schemes for real-time and faster-than-real-time simulation


• Help maintain libraries that provide APIs in multiple languages (Python, C++) to other applications within True Anomaly


• Collaborate with other internal teams who leverage our simulation APIs to plan and execute missions, develop algorithms for spacecraft operation, and perform trade-space analyses


• Participate in code reviews, architectural discussions, and sprint planning sessions, learning and applying our software quality standards and delivery practices

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, a similar discipline, or equivalent practical experience


• Exposure to C++ (or a similar compiled language) through coursework, internships, personal projects, or research; familiarity with Python is a plus


• Foundational understanding of object-oriented software development practices, software testing practices, data structures and algorithms, and software design patterns


• Eagerness to learn quickly, ask questions, and take on new challenges with support from the team


• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail


• U.S. Citizen and eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance

• Internship, co-op, research, or project experience with physics-based modeling and simulation (i.e., modeling spacecraft dynamics, thermal systems, or control algorithms)


• Coursework or project exposure to numerical methods


• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems:


• Attitude determination and control systems (ADCS)


• Guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)


• Thermal control systems


• Electric power systems (EPS)


• Propulsion systems


• Understanding of coordinate frames and transformations (ECI, ECEF, body frame, etc.)


• Exposure to quaternion mathematics and rotation representations


• Introductory knowledge of orbital mechanics and perturbation forces


• Awareness of model validation, verification, and uncertainty quantification concepts


• Experience with version control systems (Git); exposure to CI/CD pipelines a plus

• Base Salary: Denver: $75,000; Long Beach: $80,000

• 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.

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.