Spaceflight Simulation Software Engineer

Join Virgin Galactic’s Flight Simulation & Mission Control team and help build the simulation systems used to prepare our pilots, engineers, and Mission Control teams for human spaceflight. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done. We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to develop, integrate, and maintain the high-fidelity simulation environments supporting Virgin Galactic’s next generation of spaceships.This is not a traditional software development position. You will work directly with pilots, flight-test personnel, Mission Control operators, aerospace engineers, flight hardware, and real-time simulation systems. Your software will directly support engineering development, vehicle testing, pilot and Mission Control training, flight-test preparation, and ultimately commercial spaceflight operations.The position is based in southern New Mexico, supporting operations at Spaceport America, with Las Cruces providing the primary residential community for many employees. If you enjoy solving complex real-time software problems and want to see your work used in an actual human-spaceflight operation, this is a unique opportunity to become part of Virgin Galactic’s mission.What You’ll DoDesign, develop, integrate, test, and maintain software for high-fidelity and desktop flight simulation systems.Develop and maintain real-time C/C++ simulation applications.Integrate aerodynamic and flight-dynamics models, avionics systems, vehicle systems, and real or virtual cockpit hardware into simulation environments.Develop and maintain interfaces between simulation software, cockpit hardware, avionics, Mission Control systems, and external engineering systems.Support real-time data acquisition, processing, visualization, recording, and network communication.Develop synchronization and data-sharing solutions for distributed simulation systems.Troubleshoot complex software, network, hardware, and simulator integration problems.Work directly with pilots and engineering teams to translate flight-test and training requirements into simulator capabilities.Support simulator configuration, verification, validation, and readiness for pilot training and integrated Mission Control simulations.Support development of failure scenarios and abnormal system behavior for training and flight-test preparation.Improve simulator reliability, maintainability, performance, and usability.Contribute to software architecture decisions and development of modular and scalable simulation systems.Participate in code reviews, configuration management, automated testing, and CI/CD activities.Support simulator operations and troubleshooting during critical training and flight-test activities.Work collaboratively across Flight Operations, Mission Control, Engineering, Avionics, Flight Sciences, and Flight Test.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.Approximately 5+ years of professional software development experience.Strong proficiency in C and/or C++.Experience developing, integrating, or troubleshooting real-time, embedded, simulation, robotics, autonomous, aerospace, automotive, defense, or hardware-in-the-loop systems.Strong software debugging and problem-solving skills.Experience working with complex software/hardware interfaces.Working knowledge of networked systems and communication protocols such as TCP/IP and UDP.Experience with source-control systems such as Git.Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment with software engineers, hardware engineers, pilots, operators, and other technical teams.Strong interest in aviation, aerospace, simulation, or human spaceflight.Preferred QualificationsExperience with one or more of the following is beneficial:Flight simulation or aerospace simulation systemsMATLAB/SimulinkSimulink S-FunctionsFlight dynamics or aerodynamic modelsHardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop simulationDistributed real-time simulationShared-memory architecturesAvionics interfacesCockpit hardware and control interfacesReal-time data acquisition and visualizationNetwork troubleshooting tools such as WiresharkPython, C#, Bash, or similar scripting/programming languagesJenkins, Docker, or other CI/CD technologiesLinux development environmentsMultithreaded software developmentUI development for engineering or simulator applicationsFlight-test environmentsPilot training systemsFAA or aerospace operational environmentsPilot experience, whether private, commercial, military, experimental, or recreational, is a plus but is not required.Who Could Be a Great FitWe recognize that excellent simulation engineers come from many industries.You may be a strong candidate if your background is in:Aerospace

• Aviation
• Defense
• Automotive Simulation
• Autonomous Vehicles
• Robotics
• Gaming/Simulation
• Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
• Embedded Systems
• Real-Time Software
• Industrial Control SystemsDirect spaceflight or flight-simulator experience is not required if you bring strong C/C++ development, real-time systems experience, and the ability and motivation to learn.Why This Role Is DifferentMost software engineers never get to sit inside the system they helped create.At Virgin Galactic, you will have the opportunity to develop software for a full-scale human-spaceflight simulation environment and work directly with the pilots, engineers, and Mission Control personnel who use it.The simulator is an important part of preparing our teams for our spaceflights. Your work can move from your development environment into an integrated simulator and directly support training, engineering development, flight-test preparation, and spaceflight operations.Location & Work EnvironmentThis position is based in southern New Mexico, supporting Virgin Galactic’s flight simulation and spaceflight operations at Spaceport America and our Las Cruces office.Because flight simulation development includes hands-on simulator integration, testing, training, and operational support, regular presence at Spaceport America is an important part of this role. However, not all work needs to be performed at the Spaceport.Depending on simulator activities and operational requirements, approximately 50% of the work may be performed from Virgin Galactic’s Las Cruces office when presence at Spaceport America is not required.In addition, in accordance with Virgin Galactic’s current work policy, employees may work remotely one day per week, when operational requirements allow.This provides a flexible working environment combining:Hands-on work with our flight simulation systems at Spaceport AmericaSoftware development and engineering work from our Las Cruces officeUp to one remote workday per week, subject to operational needsCandidates can live in the Las Cruces / southern New Mexico area, providing access to Spaceport America while enjoying the amenities and lifestyle of the Las Cruces community.Relocation assistance may be available in accordance with Virgin Galactic policy.Export RequirementsTo conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must meet applicable U.S. Person requirements or otherwise be eligible to obtain the required U.S. Government authorization.Who We AreVirgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers.Our next generation of space vehicles is being developed to make human spaceflight safer, repeatable, and scalable. The Flight Simulation & Mission Control team plays a critical role in preparing our vehicles, pilots, engineers, and operational teams for that mission.