About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is about building and maintaining the simulation infrastructure for flight software at Astranis. You'll design scalable systems that integrate various software components and ensure they work correctly before deployment. It's an individual contributor role focused on technical development rather than management.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have a background in software engineering or systems engineering, with experience in simulation environments and API development. They should be comfortable working independently and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Worth noting

The company is heavily funded and growing, which could offer job stability and opportunities for advancement. However, the spec lacks detail on specific technologies or programming languages used, which may be a concern for some applicants.

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe— large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.

Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world’s best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Software Simulation Engineer

We are looking for a Software Simulation Engineer to design and build the core architecture of our simulation platform. You will be responsible for the infrastructure that validates our intelligent systems before real-world deployment. Your focus will be on creating a scalable, high-performance virtual environment that seamlessly integrates flight software, autonomy stacks, and external models.

Role

Simulation Architecture: Design, build, and maintain the core infrastructure, data pipelines, and timing mechanisms for our system-level and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) simulation environments.
Framework Development: Build robust APIs and interfaces that allow cross-functional teams to easily plug their specific sensor, actuator, and physics models into the broader simulation.
Software Integration: Integrate flight software, autonomy stacks, and control algorithms directly into the simulator.
Testing Infrastructure: Develop the backend tooling and automated test frameworks needed to run large-scale simulations, verify system behavior, and catch edge cases.
Cross-Functional Sync: Act as the simulation platform owner, partnering with hardware and controls teams to ensure the architecture supports their testing requirements and scales effectively.

Requirements

BS or MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
3+ years of experience in software simulation, systems architecture, or complex software development.
Expert in Python with strong working knowledge of C++.
Hands-on experience architecting, extending, or maintaining custom software simulators, test harnesses, or large-scale software frameworks.
Solid understanding of system-level networking and data routing (e.g., Ethernet, UDP/TCP, CAN).

Bonus

Background in aerospace, automotive, or robotics.
Familiarity with Embedded Linux, RTOS, or supporting downstream Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) setups.
Experience with CI/CD pipelines and scaling simulations in cloud environments.

What we offer:

All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.

Base pay is just one component of Astranis’s total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals.

Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.

Base Salary

$125,000—$170,000 USD

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required

(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))

Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.

Skills & Tags

node python go ai backend data product design

Aplyr's read

Astranis is revolutionizing satellite communications by delivering affordable internet to underserved regions, attracting engineers passionate about bridging the digital divide.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Astranis focuses on affordable internet access for underserved regions, addressing a critical global need.
•The company develops small, low-cost satellites, reducing deployment costs and increasing accessibility.
•Astranis offers diverse engineering roles, providing opportunities for career growth in aerospace technology.

What to watch

•The satellite communications market is highly competitive, posing challenges for Astranis.
•High initial investment in satellite technology can strain financial resources.
•Limited public information about Astranis' long-term financial sustainability.

Why Astranis

•Astranis specializes in small, low-cost satellites, differentiating them from traditional large satellite providers.
•The company's mission to bridge the digital divide is central to its operations.
•Astranis' focus on underserved regions sets it apart in the satellite communications industry.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Astranis

Astranis

astranis.com

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Astranis Space Technologies is a satellite communications company that focuses on providing affordable internet access to underserved regions around the world. By developing small, low-cost satellites, they aim to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity in remote areas.