Junior Simulation Software Engineer

About the Role

METECS is seeking an entry-level Simulation Software Engineer to support NASA’s simulation efforts as part of the Robotics, Simulations, and Graphics Support (RSGS) team. This role is ideal for candidates with a strong foundation in computer science and software engineering who are interested in applying those skills to challenging problems in aerospace, robotics, human spaceflight, and physics-based simulation.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, development, integration, testing, and maintenance of high-fidelity simulation software.
• Support engineering analysis across human spaceflight programs including ISS, Orion, Moon Base, SR-1, and HLS.
• Projects may include development and enhancement of core dynamics and simulation tools, investigations of crew member stability in lunar and microgravity environments, lunar vehicle simulations, and support of ISS training simulation systems.
• Implement and maintain features from Git-managed work items.
• Participate in peer code reviews.
• Contribute to automated testing efforts.
• Maintain and improve continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
• Work comfortably within large, collaborative codebases.
• Apply software engineering best practices for reliability, maintainability, and performance.
• Collaborate with experts in software engineering, physics, robotics, biomechanics, computer graphics, and aerospace systems.
• Work alongside NASA engineers and mission stakeholders.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience in simulations, software development, or a related technical field.
• Proficiency in C++.
• Experience working in Linux-based environments.
• Familiarity with Git for version control.
• Strong communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset.
• Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python.
• Solid foundation in physics and mathematics.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Exposure to AI/ML concepts and applications.
• Understanding of the software development life cycle (SDLC).
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing.
• Familiarity with the Trick simulation framework.
• Unity, Unreal Engine, EDGE, or similar graphics engines.

Citizenship or lawful permanent resident required due to federal position.

About METECS

METECS provides advanced engineering, software, and analysis solutions for human space flight and terrestrial applications. They develop and integrate custom software for NASA and other government and commercial customers utilizing a wide variety of technologies. Specialties include robotics automation, embedded systems, hardware/software integration, multibody dynamics simulations, immersive computer graphics, XR systems, and advanced web-based tools.