Salary Confidential

Position range in Harris County $73k - $145k Per Year Terramechnics Engineer

MacLean Engineering & Applied Technologies

Occupation:

Engineers, All Other

Location:

Houston, TX - 77058

Job Type:

Regular, Full Time (30 Hours or More), Permanent Employment, Day Shift

Posted:

04/08/2026

Positions available: 1

Source:

WorkInTexas

Web Site:

WorkInTexas

Onsite /

Remote:

Work onsite all of the time

Updated:

09/09/2026

Expires:

10/30/2026

Agency Job ID:

2604-101

Job #: 17000224

Job Requirements and Properties

Help for Job Requirements and Properties. Work Onsite

Full Time Education

Master's Degree Experience

60 Month(s) Schedule

Full Time Job Type

Regular Duration

Permanent Employment Shift

Day Shift Help for . METECS is seeking a Terramechanics Engineer who is excited about lunar exploration to support high-fidelity modeling and simulation of lunar terrain. This role emphasizes physics-based approaches to soil structure interaction, ranging from continuum and discrete element methods to semi-empirical terramechanics models. This position also includes the use of multi-body dynamics and simulation frameworks for analysis, design, and validation. The ideal candidate brings a strong grounding in classical terramechanics and an interest in advancing higher-fidelitymodeling approaches to soil-structure interaction in extreme environments. We are looking for someone who is driven, curious, and motivated to contribute directly to the technologies that will support sustained human presence on the lunar surface.

Responsibilities:

Develop, implement, and applyterrain and soil interaction models within coupled multi-body dynamics simulations.

Workwith higher-fidelity modeling approaches such as continuum mechanics (e.g., SPH-based methods) and/or discrete element method (DEM) simulations to model granular and deformable terrain behavior.

Maintainand applysemi-empirical terramechanics models (e.g., Bekker-type formulations) as baselines, validation references, or computationally efficient tools.

Extendterrain interaction models to support deformable or conformable contact elements, including tires or other compliant structures.

Integrate soil and contact models into simulation frameworks and workflows, including NASAs Trick environment or similar tools.

Perform simulation validation through comparison with experimental data, test results, or field measurements.

Conductuncertainty quantification, sensitivity analyses, and model calibration to assess prediction robustness.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to interpret results, communicate model assumptions and limitations, and inform system-level decisions.

Required Qualifications:

Master'sor advanced degreein mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics, or a closely related technical field.

Working knowledge of foundational terramechanics principles, including Bekker-type soil-vehicle interaction theories.

Proficiency in C/C++ and Python for scientific computing, simulation development, and analysis.

Strong data-analysis skills, including experience working with simulation and experimental datasets.

Experience developing or applying physics-based models within a simulation environment.

Clear technical communication and documentation skills.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience with continuum mechanics-based modeling approaches (e.g., SPH or related methods).

Experience with discrete element method (DEM) simulations or granular material modeling.

Familiarity with deformable or compliant contact modeling (e.g., tires, tracks, or soft structures).

Familiarity with NASAs Trick simulation framework or similar simulation infrastructures.

Experience with coupled multi-body dynamics and soil-terrain interaction simulations.

Background in simulation validation, uncertainty quantification, or model verification.

Experience in aerospace, robotics, off-road vehicle dynamics, or related terrain-interaction domains. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident required due to federal position.

About METECS:

We are a high-performance team providing advanced engineering, software, and analysis solutions for human space flight and terrestrial applications. We develop and integrate custom software for NASA and other government and commercial customers utilizing a wide variety of in-house, commercial, and open-source technologies. Our specialties include robotics automation, embedded systems, hardware/software integration, multibody dynamics simulations, immersive computer graphics, XR systems and advanced web-based tools. METECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.