About this role
Helsing builds simulation environments that support mission analysis for large satellite constellations across hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop architectures. These systems allow engineering teams to test constellation software and real hardware on the ground at pace before anything reaches orbit, directly influencing critical programme and system design decisions.
In this role, the engineer will create and maintain simulation environments, model relevant physics such as orbital and attitude dynamics, thermal behavior, and RF links, and integrate real hardware like flight computers or payload controllers. Responsibilities also include validating models against test data, turning simulation results into trade studies and design recommendations, and collaborating with external partners and suppliers to integrate their models and hardware.
The ideal candidate brings proven delivery experience with both software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop systems, strong physics and modelling judgement, and production-grade software experience in large shared codebases. Someone who thrives in cross-functional settings, communicates technical limits clearly to non-specialists, and wants to apply engineering skills to complex aerospace challenges will do well here.
What you will do
- Build and maintain simulation environments behind large constellation mission analysis for hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop use cases.
- Develop hardware-in-the-loop rigs incorporating real hardware such as flight computers or payload controllers alongside automated test pipelines.
- Model relevant physics including orbital and attitude dynamics, sensors, actuators, thermal behavior, and RF links at required fidelity levels.
- Validate simulation models against real test and flight data to generate trade studies and design recommendations.
- Collaborate with partners and suppliers to integrate external models and hardware while resolving discrepancies across systems.
- Architect single environments that serve both fast batch runs and full-fidelity wall-clock validation with real-time constraints.
What you need
- Demonstrated delivery of both software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop systems with real hardware wired into simulators.
- Strong physics and modelling judgment with the ability to defend simplifications and recognize model limitations.
- Several years of production-grade software engineering experience within a large, shared codebase.
- Proficiency in Python alongside at least one of Rust or modern C++.
- Experience architecting environments that balance fast batch runs with full-fidelity wall-clock validation and scheduling trade-offs.
- Confidence in working across organizational boundaries to hold technical discussions with partners, suppliers, and non-specialists.
Nice to have
- Optimisation background including design-space exploration, Monte Carlo analysis, trajectory optimisation, or surrogate models
- Space domain exposure such as orbit propagation, six degrees of freedom attitude dynamics, or closed-loop AOCS simulation
- Distributed simulation standards like HLA, DIS, FMI, or GPU and high-performance simulation experience
- Adjacent dynamic or safety-relevant domains such as automotive, robotics, or autonomous systems
Benefits
- Competitive salary and VSOP options
- Relocation support up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation
- Learning allowance of €500 yearly
- Gym membership and mental health support via Nilo.health
- Enhanced parental leave of 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers and 6 weeks for secondary caregivers
- Family support including 5 days of paid family emergency leave and remote work options during pregnancy
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What locations are available for this role?
The position is based across Munich, Berlin, and Paris. Helsing also offers flexible work arrangements depending on location.
What is the tech stack used in this position?
The engineering work relies primarily on Python alongside at least one of Rust or modern C++. Engineers also work with distributed simulation standards and hardware-in-the-loop rigs.
What benefits and relocation support are provided?
The company offers a competitive salary and VSOP options, relocation support up to €2,500 with four weeks of temporary accommodation, and an annual learning allowance. Additional benefits include gym memberships, mental health support, and enhanced parental leave.
What does the interview and evaluation process focus on?
The team looks for practical delivery experience, strong physics and modeling judgement, and production-grade software skills. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification.