Job Title: Simulation Software EngineerJob 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.
Background 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 15, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
