Modeling and Simulation Engineer III

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost.

SUMMARY

Do you have a passion for high-fidelity simulation and real-time modeling? Are you excited by the challenge of developing software that bridges physics-based modeling with real-world hardware? Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Modeling and Simulation Engineer to develop and implement cutting-edge fluid models for ground systems and rocket propulsion.

As the first member of this team, you will be instrumental in designing, developing, and deploying real-time simulation software to support launch vehicle hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, propulsion system design, and mission performance analysis.

Additionally, for engineers with the interest and talent, there will be opportunities to contribute to AI, machine learning, and computer vision applications related to spacecraft operations.

This role requires fluids expertise, strong C++ skills, and a self-driven mindset to build and expand Firefly’s modeling and simulation efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement fluid dynamics models for rocket and ground system simulations.
• Build a real-time simulation environment to support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing before launch.
• Develop analysis software for mission performance evaluation and propulsion system modeling.
• Collaborate with propulsion engineers to create a simulation framework for custom fluid models.
• Work on computer vision and machine learning applications related to spacecraft operation.
• Develop software in C++, Python, and web-based frameworks to support modeling, visualization, and analysis.
• Ensure simulations are computationally efficient and integrate well with flight software and test environments.
• Work independently as the first member of this team, helping to define processes and best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for simulation development.
• Experience with numerical methods for fluid modeling (e.g., CFD, finite difference, finite volume, or reduced-order modeling).
• Ability to work in real-time simulation environments and integrate models into HIL testing.
• Self-motivated and able to define and drive technical direction as the first hire in this area.

Desired:

• Experience with real-time computing and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
• Familiarity with control systems modeling and dynamics simulation.
• Experience developing graphical or web-based interfaces for simulation tools.
• Background in machine learning and computer vision.
• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and software engineering best practices for simulation tools.

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

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.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.