NASA Software Project Lead Engineer: Space Vehicle Simulation Software Development

Company: CACI
Location: Houston
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Job Title: NASA Software Project Lead Engineer: Space Vehicle Simulation Software Development Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel: Continental US * * * CACI provides expertise and technology to enterprise and mission customers in support of national security missions and government transformation for defense, intelligence, and civilian customers. CACI’s culture is the driving force behind our success. Our culture defines who we are, how we act, and what we believe is both the right way and our duty in conducting business. Our culture unifies us as a company and strengthens our resolve to meet our customers’ – and our country’s – most critical missions. CACI is looking for experienced lead spaceflight simulation software engineers to provide project leadership and technical expertise in simulation software math model development and integration to support human-rated space vehicle engineering and training simulations. You will work with current and future space flight simulations and models at NASA Johnson Space Center including the lunar base, lunar vehicles and assets , Human Landing Systems, future exploration systems, flexible spacecraft modeling, and robotic manipulators. You will include project leadership including prototyping, requirements definition, design, development, test and verification, integration of simulations and math models. This position may not be in a lead role initially, but, may begin in a senior engineering role involving extensive technical work. The position will lead to a future role in leadership. The Opportunity: This position requires a self-motivated, capable person with strong verbal and written communication skills. In addition to outstanding technical expertise, the individual must be very people savvy, have leadership experience and strong customer relationship skills, possess a positive team-player attitude, be flexible and willing to take on new assignments and responsibilities as they arise, and be an articulate speaker able to communicate complex technical ideas in a convincing manner. The individual must share our passion for our Nation's Space Program and share in the excitement of developing the next human-rated space vehicles. Qualifications: Design and develop spacecraft simulations and math models for engineering and training simulations. Perform systems engineering in support of simulation requirements, interfaces, design, and performance. Perform engineering analysis using simulation. Perform simulation and math model integration, test, and verification. Integrate and test simulation software/hardware. Collaborate with engineering teams and contractors across multiple NASA programs and projects. Ensure adherence to JSC engineering software process practices. Willingness to take on a future technical leadership role including leading a software development team, developing and prioritizing new features based on customer needs, interacting with and providing support to users, managing project schedule, and giving large presentations and demonstrations of product capabilities. Support customer status reporting. Support people leadership including assignments and project leadership. Support recruiting and team member development initiatives. This work takes place at NASA/JSC in Houston, TX, a highly stimulating and dynamic environment that is critical in human space flight and the space exploration initiative. Required: Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident to facilitate access to USG facilities. B.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Software, Computer Science, or related disciplines required. At least ten years of experience in simulation development. Experience in technical leadership of simulation software development teams. Strong C++ programming skills. Experience developing software in a Linux environment. Experience coding with Python. Experience in simulation integration and development. Experience in math model/simulation unit testing. Experience in simulation verification and validation. Must have experience in the entire software life cycle. Must be flexible, open to new challenges in a dynamic environment, and possess strong technical expertise combined with strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities with little supervision. Must be a highly responsible, team-oriented individual with strong work ethic. Desired: M.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Software, Computer Science, or related discipline. Experience with the Trick Simulation Environment. Experience reviewing, understanding, and estimating effort for NASA task orders and with NASA contracting/proposals Experience with simulation development at NASA-JSC Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD) experience. Experience developing or integrating 3-D graphics for simulations. Experience developing real-time video acquisition and processing software. Experience with Git. Experience in human-rated space vehicle subsystem domains (e.g., ECLSS, EPS, Propulsion, Mechanisms, C&T, C&DH, GN&C, Robotics). Experience with all aspects of project management. This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately. However, t his position is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available. Individuals who apply may also be considered for other positions at CACI. This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately. However, this position is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available. Individuals who apply may also be considered for other positions at CACI. What You Can Expect: A culture of integrity. At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation. An environment of trust. CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality. A focus on continuous growth. Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy. Pay Range : There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits. The proposed salary range for this position is: $90,300 - 189,600 USD CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

Keywords: CACI, College Station , NASA Software Project Lead Engineer: Space Vehicle Simulation Software Development, Engineering , Houston, Texas