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Houston, Texas, United States
Onsite
Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!
We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Vehicle Emulator Software Engineer to join the JETSII contract.
The Vehicle Emulator Software Engineer will:
As a Vehicle Emulator Software Engineer, you will develop high fidelity software emulators that replicate the behavior, dynamics, and interfaces of spacecraft during birthing and docking operations. Your work will support mission design, subsystem verification, operator training, hardware in the loop testing, and integrated simulations used across human spaceflight programs.
This hands on engineering role requires strong skills in simulation, modeling, C++/Python development and tools related to real time simulation environments.
Core Responsibilities
Spacecraft Docking & Birthing Simulation
• Develop physics based models and behaviors representing spacecraft docking, berthing/birthing mechanisms, close proximity operations, and contact dynamics.
• Implement docking system logic (e.g., latching sequences, alignment cues, force moment interactions) in simulation/emulator environments.
• Collaborate with docking system SMEs and review findings from docking relevant meetings, to ensure emulator fidelity aligns with current system design and integration expectations.
Software & Emulator Development
• Build and maintain real time vehicle emulators via simulation frameworks.
• Develop C/C++ and Python modules that interface with flight software environments, GNC simulations, autonomy prototypes, or operator consoles.
• Design emulated subsystems such as propulsion, docking sensors, avionics, guidance and relative navigation, joint mechanisms, and system health interfaces.
Integration & Test Support
• Integrate emulators into larger software in the loop (SIL) and hardware in the loop (HIL) testbeds used by mission operations, subsystem teams, and integrated product teams.
• Support verification scenarios, timing synchronization, fault injection, and operational edge cases relevant to docking/berthing.
• Diagnose emulator to flight software integration issues and provide robust technical solutions.
Documentation & Collaboration
• Create detailed emulator documentation including model assumptions, interface definitions, execution steps, and limitations.
• Maintain clear and thorough code comments, Git README files, and configuration guides.
• Track development items and respond to time sensitive work through JIRA.
• Generate technical content for design reviews, emulator demonstrations, and integration tag ups.
Agile & Cross Team Coordination
• Work in a high tempo Agile environment supporting multiple parallel test efforts.
• Communicate effectively with subsystem engineers, simulation architects, systems engineers, and test leads.
• Provide rapid, high quality updates and maintain a strong customer support attitude for internal simulator users.
Requisition Qualifications:
• BS, MS, or PhD in engineering or computer science with relevant software or simulation experience (seniority level flexible depending on experience).
• Experience developing or integrating spacecraft simulations, safety critical software, or high fidelity modeling tools.
• Experience with real time or near real time simulation frameworks and custom environments.
• Strong skills in C/C++ (Linux), Python, and software architecture for simulation.
• Familiarity with web based collaboration and Agile development tools.
Requisition Preferences:
• Experience with spacecraft docking systems, berthing mechanisms, robotics interfaces, or proximity operations algorithms.
• NASA ecosystem experience (Gateway, MAST, Orion related systems, ISS docking standards, or NASA STD software processes).
• Experience with GitLab, Confluence, JIRA, SQL, QT, MS Teams, or Slack.
• Background in safety critical or flight critical simulation or software development.
• Experience with automated testing frameworks and time synchronized simulation testing.
• Experience with AI and Software Development.
Why Join Our Team?
In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also have:
For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit www.wehavespaceforyou.com
Essential Functions
Work Environment
Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
Physical Requirements
Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).
Equipment and Machines
Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).
Attendance
Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.
Other Essential Functions
Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.
#JETS #JETSII
Compensation Details:
EN2-EN4
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off and holidays
Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
Educational reimbursement
Parental leave
Employee stock purchase plan
Tax-saving options
Disability and life insurance
Pet insurance
Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
06/02/2026 - Until FilledAmentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.
