GNC HIL Simulation Lead

Position: GNC HIL Simulation Lead

Location: Broomfield CO

Position Type: Full-time On-site

Mission: High Frontier Build and Test in Simulation for Mission Success

At Karman were building spacecraft systems that must operate reliably in some of the harshest environments imaginable. Our ability to design and test guidance navigation and control (GNC) systems depends on high-fidelity simulations that capture the complex interactions between spacecraft environment and control algorithms.

Were looking for a GNC HIL Simulation Lead who can design develop and maintain simulation frameworks that directly inform spacecraft design decisions mission planning and system verification. Youll work closely with GNC flight software and vehicle engineering teams to ensure our spacecraft are controllable robust and mission-ready.

This role is perfect for a self-motivated engineer who thrives on technical depth while also enjoying collaboration communication and building tools that impact the entire spacecraft lifecycle.

What it takes to be successful in this role:

Youll be responsible for building simulation environments that bridge physics models control algorithms flight software and flight hardware interfaces. Youll run nominal and off-nominal scenarios develop visualizations and help validate vehicle performance across diverse mission profiles. Strong programming ability comfort with numerical modeling and an ability to communicate results clearly are essential.

This is a highly cross-functional role requiring you to work with software engineers hardware teams and mission designerstranslating complex technical insights into actionable design recommendations.

What Youll Do

• Design implement and maintain 6-DoF spacecraft simulations including dynamics sensor models and environment effects
• Develop Monte Carlo pipelines sequencers and visualization tools to evaluate vehicle controllability and performance
• Support flight software integration by implementing testing and validating GNC algorithms in simulation environments
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate design trades and their impact on vehicle controllability and stability
• Develop interfaces between simulation frameworks and hardware-in-the-loop testbeds
• Ensure simulation verification and validation against analytical models and test data
• Present analysis results and make clear recommendations on vehicle design and mission concepts
• Contribute to CI/CD and automation pipelines for simulation and test workflows
• Collaborate with external partners academia and customers on simulation requirements and outcomes
• Lead Karmanplus trade study on developing an in-house GNC simulation framework versus implementing a 3rd party solution (e.g. Trick JEOD VERAS)

What You Bring

• BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering Computer Engineering Computer Science or related field
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft avionics or GNC hardware and how they interact with simulation frameworks.
• Strong programming experience in C and Python
• Experience building or using high-fidelity simulation frameworks for aerospace systems
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics dynamics modeling and spacecraft GNC principles
• Comfort working in both Linux and Windows development environments
• Experience with software version control (e.g. git) and collaborative software practices
• Ability to analyze simulation results synthesize conclusions and communicate clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong teamwork adaptability and ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Experience validating simulation models against real hardware performance (sensors actuators or flight dynamics).

Bonus If You Have

• Experience with NASA or aerospace simulation frameworks (e.g. Trick JEOD VERAS)
• Familiarity with numerical methods for ODEs optimization routines or uncertainty quantification
• Hands-on experience integrating simulations with flight hardware through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing sensor emulators or actuator rigs
• Familiarity with Docker CI/CD pipelines or cloud-based deployment for scalable simulations
• Background in rendezvous and proximity operations trajectory design or advanced controls
• Familiarity with networking protocols computer architectures and software development best practices

Additional Information

We Offer

Our cash compensation amount for this role is targeted at $130000.00 - $180000.00 annually in this location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amount listed above.

Top Benefits & Perks

As a member of the Karman team youll enjoy an impressive benefits package:

• Equity Incentives - Participate in our shared success.
• Medical Dental and Vision Plans for top tier plans with additional buy-up plan options.
• Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability covered by Karman
• Basic Life Insurance covered by Karman
• 401k plan
• Unlimited Paid Time Off - We focus on what you get done not how many hours or days you work.

Location & Work Environment

This position is full-time in-person at our offices & lab in Broomfield CO. If you reside in locations outside of daily commuting distance you will be considered however no relocation or travel assistance will be provided by Karman for this position. This position operates in an office environment. This entails working inside in an office space wherein you may be provided with a public work station (cubicle) or private the performance of the duties and responsibilities of this job you will be required to view a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time.

Travel

Occasional travel to work site locations may be expected. Overnight stays may be required from time to time for training seminars conferences meetings events or visits to onsite locations.

Disclaimer

This job posting is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required. Karman reserves the right to change or assign additional duties responsibilities and activities at any time with or without notice.

Hiring Practices

Karman is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race color religion national origin age sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) marital status ancestry physical or mental disability genetic information veteran status gender identity or expression sexual orientation or other applicable legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability you may contact .