Trajectory Simulation Software Engineer 1

Trajectory Simulation Software Engineer 1Date: Jul 6, 2026

Location: Centennial, CO, US, 80112

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Company: United Launch Alliance

Requisition ID: 1841

Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00

Location: ULA - Denver

Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available

Travel Requirements: None/Infrequent

At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.

Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!

Job Overview & Responsibilities

At ULA, as a Trajectory Simulation Software Engineer 1 in the Simulation Program for Advanced Rocket Trajectory Analysis (SPARTA) group, you will design, implement, test, verify, document, and deploy changes to ULA’s premier orbital launch simulation software tool suite. The suite is utilized by ULA’s Trajectory, Guidance, Controls, and Structural Dynamics engineers to design every mission and analyze every rocket that ULA launches, including NASA’s SLS. Core responsibilities include:

Act as a hands-on developer to deliver operational and enabling capabilities designed to meet systems analysis and flight operations requirements for trajectory simulation, optimization, statistical analysis, and data visualization software.

Develop new software products, implement modern software design principles, resolve complex technical problems, and provide solutions which are innovative and ingenious.

Refine requirements, design subsystems, develop code units, and perform integration, test, and verification of software.

Work with a highly collaborative team in an agile environment embracing a “fail fast” mentality (fail fast, fail often, react quickly and learn from every failure).

Engage with Product Owners, Technology Architects, System Engineers, QA, and/or Automation team members on cross-functional activities to design, develop, and test cutting-edge software solutions.

Required Education

Bachelor

Required Years of Experience

None required

Basic Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) or a related technical field from an accredited college or university

Experience with C++ and Python with exposure to high fidelity simulation or analysis

Experience with object-oriented design

Experience with Linux

Understanding of software configuration management practices and tools such as git

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with faster than real-time simulations

Experience with physics-based trajectory simulations

Experience with optimization or Monte Carlo analysis software

Experience with manipulation and reduction of large time series physical data sets

Experience working in an agile development team environment

Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver only): $77,111.00 - $128,518.00

Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.

What makes ULA different?

Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.

We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:

401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution

Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees

Generous paid time off

Flexible work environments

Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).

ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).

Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted

Nearest Major Market: Denver