Leidos’ Defense Systems Kinetic Effects Business Area is seeking a Hardware in the Loop Simulation Engineer to join our team in Huntsville, AL to work on expanding programs in the area of flight systems.  This includes programs such as US SOCOM’s GBU 69/B Small Glide Munition, AGM-190/A Small Cruise Missile, multiple hypersonic missile development programs, DARPA’s Gremlins program and other rapid development efforts. Occasional travel will be required for in-person engagements with internal customers and suppliers across multiple Leidos sites as well as flight test activities at government test ranges. This role will report directly to the Flight Vehicle Modeling and Simulation manager in the Small Airborne Effectors Division. Primary Responsibilities • Manage the hardware-in-the-loop simulation infrastructure for multiple flight system developmental programs, including Small Glide Munition and Small Cruise Missile • Detailed understanding of the flight vehicle capabilities and requirements including how to test these in the HWIL environment. • Coordinate with program leadership and subsystem lead engineers on integrating and testing new electronic components, flight software and 6-DOF simulation updates. • Develop test cases for regression testing and V&V activities, including documentation of planned tests, scheduling test activities, recording and documenting test results, and communicating results to stakeholders, including identifying deficiencies that require attention. • Support flight test planning and preparation through HWIL testing of mission plans in nominal and abnormal conditions, and setup to support mission rehearsals. • Identify deficiencies in the HWIL architecture and design updates or improvements to address. • Participate in the initial standing up of HWIL infrastructure to support new developmental programs through selecting components (such as real-time computers and GPS signal generators), working with vendors to provide pricing and coordinating purchasing of the components. Basic Qualifications: • Bachelors degree in engineering with 8-12 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 6-10 years of prior relevant experience.  • Knowledge and experience with 6-DOF simulations of aerospace vehicles. • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop simulation design and testing for aerospace vehicles. • Proficiency developing test plans and test reports for HWIL simulations. • Candidate must be a resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville - North Alabama, AL area. • Ability to obtain a Secret clearance. Preferred Qualifications: • Familiarity and experience with C++ programming. • Familiarity and experience with Department of War munitions development and employment. Original Posting: August 25, 2026 Pay Range: Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.