NASA Early Career Virtual Reality Software and Simulation Engineer

NASA Early Career Virtual Reality Software and Simulation Engineer

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: NACI

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%

Type of Travel: Continental US

CACI is looking for an early career software engineer with experience or graduate research in the field of virtual reality (VR) / augmented reality (AR) software development. The engineer will work with us in the Virtual Reality Laboratory (VRL) and the Prototype Immersive Technology (PIT) Lab, both at NASA / Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX where we support a broad range of NASA's crewed space activities.

What You'll Get to Do:

We are growing the team that will take astronauts back to the Moon and on to Mars and are looking for a software and simulation engineer or graduate student with background in Computer Graphics/VR/AR. The selected individual will develop software technology used to model and simulate the space environment and complex space systems used for astronaut training, extra-vehicular activity (EVA) planning and review, and future human exploration vehicle design review. Candidates should have great interest in VR/AR software development with research and / or thesis backgrounds in the topic area, have had an outstanding academic career, and most of all, possess a great passion to contribute to our Nation's exploration of space.

This work takes place in a highly stimulating and dynamic environment that is critical in the human space exploration initiative. This position requires a self-motivated, capable person wanting to work in a team-oriented, friendly, but demanding, environment. The ideal individual should have strong verbal and written communication skills, and strong customer relationship skills.

Above all, the individual will have a positive, can-do attitude, be flexible, and be willing to take on new assignments and responsibilities as they arise.

More About the Role:

• Develop VR/AR prototype systems to meet customer requirements
• Contribute to VR/AR training and simulation systems in support of astronaut training
• Contribute to the development of VR Lab software products and Trick-based simulations
• Develop and maintain state-of-the-art skills in VR/AR and act as a resource in VR/AR development
• Assist in the daily operations of the JSC Virtual Reality Lab training facility as needed

You'll Bring These Qualifications:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident for access to USG facilities.
• Minimum 2-3 years relevant VR/AR experience OR a new M.S. Graduate in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Computational Engineering, Computer Engineering or a related degree. New graduates must have significant software project development and 6-12 months relevant work in aerospace systems, dynamics, and / or VR / AR experience (which can include graduate student research, student internships, co-ops, or support of university computing labs or research facilities, etc.)
• Strong computer and software skills in both Linux and Windows environments using C/C++.
• Individual must have strong customer focus with willingness and desire to go above and beyond to respond to a client's needs.
• Must be a highly responsible, team-oriented individual with strong communication skills and work ethic.

These Qualifications Would be Nice to Have:

• Human computer interaction system design experience.
• Experience with Unreal and/or Unity graphics engines.
• Experience with Vive / Lighthouse system, Meta Quest systems, and/or other VR systems.
• Experience with other graphical tools such as Blender, AC3D, Maya, Photoshop, GIMP, etc., a plus.
• Experience with software simulation, e.g., CACI/NASA Trick simulation.
• Experience with Python and / or Tcl/Tk a plus.

What We Can Offer You:

• We've been named a Best Place to Work by the Washington Post.
• Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives.
• We offer competitive benefits and learning and development opportunities.
• We are mission-oriented and ever vigilant in aligning our solutions with the nation's highest priorities.
• For over 60 years, the principles of CACI's unique, character-based culture have been the driving force behind our success.

Company Overview: At CACI, you will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact by providing information solutions and services in support of national security missions and government transformation for Intelligence, Defense, and Federal Civilian customers. CACI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.