Exempt Simulation Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Simulation Software Engineer

Job Description

The Simulation Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains advanced simulation software to support lunar surface operations in both real-time and faster-than-real-time environments. This role focuses on building high-fidelity models of vehicle dynamics, environments, sensors, and system interfaces, and on supporting hardware-in-the-loop simulation, mission operations, and crew training. The engineer owns the full software lifecycle, collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary aerospace engineering team, and plays a key role in mission readiness and program reviews.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain simulation software for lunar surface operations in real-time and faster-than-real-time environments.

• Create and implement high-fidelity models of vehicle dynamics, environmental conditions, sensors, and system interfaces.

• Support hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation development, integration, and testing to validate system performance.

• Perform verification and validation (V&V) of simulation models to ensure accuracy, reliability, and mission suitability.

• Enable fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) testing through fault modeling and detailed scenario development.

• Support flight software teams by providing robust simulation and test environments for software integration and verification.

• Collaborate with ground systems and mission operations teams to ensure simulations accurately reflect operational concepts and constraints.

• Contribute to crew training and mission readiness by developing realistic and operationally relevant simulation scenarios.

• Own the full software lifecycle, including requirements understanding, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and operational support of simulation tools.

• Participate in Agile development cycles, including sprint planning, daily coordination, integration activities, and verification tasks.

• Integrate effectively within a multi-disciplinary engineering team and interface closely with hardware developers and subsystem engineers.

• Provide clear technical input and simulation expertise during major program milestones and formal reviews.

• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize simulation software and models to improve performance, fidelity, and maintainability.

• Maintain version control practices using modern tools and contribute to continuous integration and continuous delivery workflows.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.

• 5+ years of professional software development and simulation experience.

• Strong proficiency in C and C++ for simulation and software development.

• Hands-on experience with simulation tools such as Trick (including NASA Trick) and Unreal Engine.

• Proven experience in simulation development for complex systems, preferably in aerospace applications.

• Experience with aerospace systems such as guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), spacecraft dynamics, thermal modeling, power systems, and RF communications.

• Hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation experience, including integration and test.

• Demonstrated experience with hardware/software integration in complex engineering environments.

• Proficiency with Git-based version control systems such as GitLab or GitHub.

• Ability to work effectively in an Agile software development environment, contributing to planning, integration, and verification.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to debug and optimize complex simulation software.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting flight software, ground systems, or mission operations through simulation environments.

• Experience in spacecraft or space mission simulation, including lunar or planetary surface operations.

• Familiarity with fault modeling techniques and FDIR testing methodologies.

• Experience developing high-fidelity models of sensors, actuators, and vehicle subsystems.

• Exposure to multi-disciplinary engineering teams, including close collaboration with hardware and subsystem engineers.

• Experience contributing technical content for major program reviews and milestones.

• Interest in human spaceflight, crew training, and mission readiness activities.

• Strong communication skills for presenting technical information and collaborating across engineering disciplines.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite, working as part of a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) team within an integrated mission environment. The Simulation Software Engineer collaborates daily with a multidisciplinary group of software, hardware, and subsystem engineers focused on advanced aerospace and lunar surface operations. The work involves extensive use of simulation tools such as Trick and Unreal Engine, C and C++ development environments, and Git-based platforms like GitLab or GitHub for version control and collaboration. The environment is fast-paced and Agile, with regular integration and test activities, including hardware-in-the-loop setups. Work is conducted in a professional engineering office and lab setting, with access to hardware testbeds and simulation facilities, and requires close coordination with flight software, ground systems, and mission operations teams.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $85.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 27, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.