Senior Graphics and Simulation Software Engineer

Astrobotic is at the forefront of advancing space exploration and technology development. Our expertise spans from lunar rovers, landers, and infrastructure to spacecraft navigation, machine vision, and computing systems for in-space robotic applications. To date, the company has been contracted for two lunar missions, and has won more than 60 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Defense (DoD), and commercial technology contracts worth more than $600 million. Established in 2007, Astrobotic is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with a propulsion and test campus in Mojave, CA.

Astrobotic’s Simulation Software group, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is seeking a Senior Graphics and Simulation Software Engineer to join our effort to develop solutions for space robotics, planetary landing, and satellite sensing applications. Astrobotic works a hybrid 60/40 onsite schedule. In this role you will contribute to developing core infrastructure and simulation tools that enable Astrobotic’s autonomous technologies, including but not limited to precision landing and hazard detection on the Moon. These tools’ core functions include analyzing and modeling planetary surfaces using orbital imagery and topographic data, quantifying system performance and robustness, and simulating mission scenarios that allow research and innovation into some of the most challenging environments for robotics.

Applicants are expected to have well-rounded understanding and knowledge of software engineering and computer graphics. Specifically, proficiency in physically based rendering, path tracing, and ray tracing is a fundamental requirement.

Astrobotic’s software team is a collaborative working environment where each member of the team has a high degree of freedom, responsibility, and expectations. Astrobotic is building solutions to challenging technical problems with the goal of making space more accessible to the world. Astrobotic has developed industry-leading expertise in the areas of autonomous precision landing and hazard detection, real-time rendering with hardware ray tracing, photogrammetry and navigation-grade terrain modeling, and high-performance computing to name a few. The team has a diverse range of backgrounds and skills, and the environment is both challenging and supportive.

Job Responsibilities:

• Developing high fidelity graphical simulation software for computer vision and space robotics applications.
• Supporting the creation and integration of rendering features for diverse computer vision and robotics applications.
• Working closely with NASA experts, university groups, and commercial clients to translate technical specifications into software capabilities.
• Preparing technical reports and presenting results to clients and the research community.
• Contributing to novel research and research proposals.
  
  

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Programming languages: C++, Python
• Demonstrated experience in the one or more of the following areas: ray tracing & rasterization; 3D engine development, computational geometry
• Demonstrated experience with GPU compute and graphics APIs such as Vulkan, DirectX, OpenGL, CUDA
• Shading languages such as HLSL/GLSL, Slang
• Ability to work independently in the software development lifecycle, including software design, implementation, unit testing, code review, and performance optimization
• Ability to work autonomously, collaborate, learn on the fly, and take ownership as a valued contributor in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in communication and technical writing
  
  

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• Background relevant for sensor simulation (camera, LiDAR) including camera and lens modeling, photometry/radiometry and principles of light transport
• Experience with geographic information systems (GIS) and transformations and data types, e.g., map projections and digital elevation models
• Experience with robotics simulation environments and/or 3D game engines
• Ability to work alongside DevOps and deploy jobs to Slurm clusters or other computer resources
  
  

Compensation & Benefits:

The base salary range represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for this position. The actual base salary offered will depend on numerous factors, including individual performance, business objectives, and the candidate’s professional & educational experience. Base salary is just one component of Astrobotic’s competitive total rewards strategy.

Our total rewards package for full-time employees includes:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Financial Protection: Company-paid life insurance and AD&D, voluntary short- and long-term disability coverage, plus voluntary life and supplemental insurance options
• Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Immediate vesting with company match
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible Paid Time Off and company-paid holidays
• Well-Being Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling, mental health resources, and will preparation services
• Additional Voluntary Benefits: Accident and hospital indemnity coverage, as well as pet insurance
  
  

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more details about the specific compensation and benefits during the hiring process.

Export Control Regulations:

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 or U.S. person which includes U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) including those individuals granted refugee or asylum status, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Astrobotic Technology, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation:

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected].