SAIC

Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer

SAIC$160K — $200K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of mission-level modeling and simulation experience.
  • 2+ years leading an analysis or development team.
  • Experience with live/virtual simulation environments.
  • Familiarity with AFSIM, NGTS, or similar simulation tools.
  • Proficient in scripting languages like Python or Bash.
  • Knowledge of Agile methodologies and version control using Git.

Responsibilities

  • Lead integration of AFSIM with cloud-based C2 environments.
  • Develop and execute mission-level scenarios in AFSIM.
  • Script scenario behaviors using AFSIM languages like Lua or Python.
  • Translate analyst requirements into software features efficiently.
  • Conduct scenario validation and performance analysis.
  • Maintain scenario documentation and ensure analytical traceability.
  • Support customer simulation events and training as needed.

Benefits

  • Flexible work environment with remote options.
  • Ongoing education and development opportunities.
  • Collaborative team culture focused on innovation.
  • Access to cutting-edge simulation technologies.
  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Description

SAIC is seeking a Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer to support the design, development, and execution of AFSIM-based simulation capabilities. This role combines hands-on C++ plugin and extension development with mission-level scenario modeling and analysis, delivering high-fidelity simulation tools that inform capability development, CONOPS evaluation, and system-of-systems performance assessments. The ideal candidate will partner closely with analysts and engineers to convert operational modeling requirements into robust, maintainable software features while also contributing directly to scenario development and quantitative analysis efforts.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead a development effort to integrate AFSIM with a cloud based C2 environment
• Develop, configure, and execute mission-level scenarios in AFSIM aligned with analytical objectives, including sensor, weapon, and platform models with detection logic, engagement behaviors, and environmental interactions.
• Script scenario behaviors using AFSIM scripting languages (Lua, Python, or equivalent) to represent tactics, decision logic, and mission flows.
• Translate analyst requirements into software features, ensuring correctness, performance, and maintainability.
• Conduct scenario validation, ensuring correctness of entity behaviors, timelines, and interactions.
• Perform quantitative analysis of simulation outputs, including MOEs/MOPs, timelines, attrition, sensor performance, and mission outcomes.
• Support development of scenario documentation, assumptions, and analytical traceability.
• Collaborate with senior analysts to design experiment architectures, vignettes, and sensitivity studies.
• Maintain and update scenario libraries, model configurations, software documentation, API references, and integration guides for reuse across programs.
• Support build system configuration, version control workflows, and continuous integration pipelines.
• Ensure code quality through unit testing, peer reviews, and adherence to coding standards.
• Support live/virtual simulation environments and distributed simulations over DIS/HLA.
• Support customer simulation and training events as required.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, engineering, physics, operations research, applied mathematics, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience with modeling and simulation, particularly at the mission level.
• 2+ years of experience leading an analysis or development team.
• Experience with live/virtual simulation environments.
• Experience with AFSIM, NGTS, MACE, or another operator-in-the-loop simulation tool.
• Experience with distributed simulations over DIS/HLA.
• Experience with Python, Bash, or other scripting languages.
• Proficiency in Agile methodologies and tools including Jira and Confluence.
• Ability to work with Git and collaborative development workflows.

Preferred Qualifications
• Docker/Kubernetes or other containerization tools.
• AWS or other cloud services experience.
• CI/CD integration experience.
• C++ and AFSIM development experience.
• Domain experience in Sensor Modeling, Link 16, or Command and Control Systems.
• Experience supporting customer simulation and training events.
• Experience with sensor modeling, detection theory, or engagement logic.
• Exposure to DoD mission threads, CONOPS, or system-of-systems analysis.
• Ability to communicate analytical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

About SAIC

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is a technology integrator in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC has approximately 26,000 employees and operates in more than 70 countries. The company was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. SAIC provides services to the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense, the intelligence community, and civilian agencies. The company also serves commercial customers in the healthcare, energy, and financial services sectors.
Learn more about SAIC
Size
26,000 employees
Market Cap
$6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$206 million
Founded
1969
5 Year Trend
+10.7%
Revenue
$6.8 billion
NASDAQ

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