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Simulation Software Engineer Jobs in Boulder, CO

Lunar Outpost

Simulation Test Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

Currently, we are seeking aSimulation Test Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic ... Design and implement the software test strategy forsimulationssupporting space robotic missions

Lunar Outpost

Simulation Test Engineer

Arvada, CO

Currently, we are seeking aSimulation Test Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic ... Design and implement the software test strategy forsimulationssupporting space robotic missions

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All JobsSimulation Software Engineer JobsSimulation Software Engineer Jobs in Boulder, CO

Simulation Software Engineer information

See Boulder, CO salary details

$76.7K

$143K

$204.3K

How much do simulation software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulation software engineer in Boulder, CO is $142,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,900.00 and $168,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Simulation Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Simulation Software Engineer, you need strong skills in computer science, mathematics, and physics, often backed by a degree in engineering or a related field. Experience with simulation frameworks (like MATLAB, Simulink, or ANSYS), programming languages (such as C++, Python), and relevant certifications such as Certified Modeling and Simulation Professional (CMSP) are commonly sought. Effective problem-solving, attention to detail, and clear communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies enable the accurate development of complex simulations, efficient collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and effective translation of real-world processes into reliable software models.

What does a Simulation Software Engineer do?

A Simulation Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software that models real-world systems, allowing for testing and analysis without physical prototypes. They work with mathematical models, algorithms, and programming languages to create accurate simulations for industries like aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and finance. Their responsibilities may include optimizing performance, integrating with hardware, and validating results to ensure accuracy.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Simulation Software Engineer?

As a Simulation Software Engineer, your daily tasks often include designing and implementing simulation models, writing and testing code, and analyzing simulation results to ensure accuracy and reliability. You may collaborate closely with engineers, domain experts, and project managers to define system requirements and troubleshoot technical issues. Additionally, you will frequently document your work, present findings to stakeholders, and iteratively improve models based on feedback and evolving project needs. The role offers a dynamic blend of independent technical work and team collaboration to solve real-world engineering challenges.

What are popular job titles related to Simulation Software Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO? For Simulation Software Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Simulation Software Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO look for? The top searched job categories for Simulation Software Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO are:
What cities near Boulder, CO are hiring for Simulation Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Boulder, CO with the most Simulation Software Engineer job openings:
Simulation Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Simulation Software Engineer job openings in Boulder, CO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $142,960 per year, or $68.7 per hour.
Principal Spacecraft Simulation Software Engineer

Principal Spacecraft Simulation Software Engineer

True Anomaly

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

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

YOUR MISSION
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 a Principal Spacecraft Simulation Software Engineer to define the long-term technical vision and architecture for a simulation platform that spans some of the hardest problems in modern aerospace - from high-fidelity multi-physics modeling of spacecraft and constellations to simulation of complex, dynamic environments that don't yet have established playbooks.
At this level, your impact extends well beyond individual features. The platform you help shape will underpin mission planning, autonomy development, GNC validation, and operational decision-making across a range of scenarios that are technically novel by design. You will set technical direction across the simulation organization, serve as the internal authority on simulation methodology and best practices, and drive the technical culture of the team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Vision & Architecture
  • Own the long-term technical strategy and architectural roadmap for True Anomaly's simulation infrastructure, spanning multi-physics modeling, real-time, faster-than-real-time execution, and hardware/software-in-the-loop environments
  • Make high-consequence architectural decisions - technology selection, inter-system interface design, performance targets, and long-term maintainability tradeoffs - with full awareness of downstream impact across engineering, GNC, mission planning, and operations
  • Identify and resolve fundamental technical risks before they become program-level blockers; anticipate capability gaps 12-24 months out and drive proactive investment
  • Establish and steward engineering standards, simulation best practices, and V&V frameworks adopted across the organization
Simulation Development
  • Lead the design and implementation of production-quality multi-physics simulation software spanning spacecraft subsystems: 6DOF rigid body dynamics (gravity gradient, solar radiation pressure, atmospheric drag, magnetic torques, third-body effects), thermal modeling, attitude dynamics and control, propulsion (chemical/electric), power generation and storage, and high-fidelity sensor/actuator models (reaction wheels, CMGs, star trackers, gyros, magnetometers)
  • Architect and implement tightly coupled physics algorithms capturing complex subsystem interactions (thermal-structural, power-thermal, propulsion-dynamics) with rigorous attention to numerical stability, accuracy, and performance
  • Design advanced time-stepping algorithms, solver architectures, and integration schemes that support scalable, real-time, and batch simulation use cases
  • Write production-quality C++ with emphasis on performance, correctness, maintainability, and testability; establish the quality bar others rise to meet
API Design & Integration
  • Define the simulation platform's external-facing API strategy across C++ and Python, ensuring interfaces are intuitive, performant, versioned, and backward-compatible as the platform evolves
  • Partner with mission planning, GNC, systems engineering, and autonomy teams to understand capability needs and translate them into durable, well-documented platform investments
  • Drive creation of comprehensive documentation, developer guides, and reference examples that enable self-service across the organization
Leadership & Collaboration
  • Serve as a technical anchor across the simulation team; provide architectural guidance, unblock decisions, and ensure coherent execution toward shared goals
  • Drive a culture of engineering excellence through rigorous code reviews, mentorship, pair programming, and knowledge transfer
  • Mentor engineers at all levels; contribute directly to career development conversations and growth planning
  • Partner with engineering leadership to shape simulation capability roadmaps, surface tradeoffs, and contribute to proposals and technical white papers
  • Represent simulation engineering in cross-functional forums, program reviews, and customer-facing discussions

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Education: Bachelor's in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or equivalent experience; advanced degree preferred
  • Experience: 10+ years of professional software development with deep focus on simulation, scientific computing, or aerospace applications; demonstrated progression into technical leadership roles
  • C++: Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ (C++17 or newer), including STL, templates, performance optimization, and large-scale system design
  • Python: Proficiency in API design, scripting, automation, and data analysis
  • Technical leadership: Proven track record of setting technical direction for large, complex software systems and driving multi-team efforts to delivered capability
  • Domain knowledge: Deep expertise in two or more of: ADCS, GNC, thermal control, electric power systems, chemical/electric propulsion, orbital mechanics, or HIL/SIL systems
  • V&V: Demonstrated experience defining and executing verification and validation frameworks for physics-based models at scale, including uncertainty quantification and validation against test or flight data
  • Systems thinking: Ability to make sound architectural decisions within complex, distributed systems
  • Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication; able to articulate complex technical concepts to both engineering peers and non-technical leadership stakeholders

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Hypersonic modeling: Experience developing high-fidelity aerothermal, aerodynamic, and flight dynamics models for hypersonic vehicles, including coupled aero-thermal-structural effects, shock layer physics, and boundary layer modeling
  • Advanced physics-based M&S: Extensive experience delivering validated, production-grade simulation capabilities for aerospace or defense programs at scale
  • Numerical methods: Expert-level knowledge of ODE/DAE solvers, numerical linear algebra, sparse matrix techniques, and automatic differentiation; experience tuning solvers for stiff, multi-rate, or real-time-constrained problems
  • Astrodynamics & kinematics: Deep familiarity with the core concepts of space domain dynamics modeling
  • Software engineering excellence: Expert proficiency with Git, CI/CD, CMake or Bazel, and testing frameworks; experience establishing engineering standards at the team or org level
  • Scalable simulation infrastructure: Experience with parallel/distributed computing, Docker, and cloud platforms for large-scale simulation execution
  • HIL/SIL systems: Extensive experience designing and operating HIL/SIL environments, including real-time simulation interfaces to flight software or embedded hardware
  • Technical thought leadership: Published work, conference presentations (AIAA, AAS, IEEE, etc.), or patents in simulation, astrodynamics, GNC, or related domains

COMPENSATION
  • Base Salary: $210,000 - $325,000
  • Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Work Location-this role is fully onsite. Candidates must be based in or able to commute to our Denver or Long Beach office daily.
  • 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.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite
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.

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