Lead Modeling & Simulation Engineer

CX2

$180K — $220K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in a technical field related to engineering or science.
  • Active U.S. Security Clearance or ability to obtain one.
  • 8+ years of experience in modeling and simulation for aerospace or defense industries.
  • Strong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or C++.
  • Experience in modeling dynamic systems and autonomous behaviors.
  • Understanding of physics-based modeling and numerical methods.
  • Experience in system performance analysis and simulation verification.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the creation of modeling and simulation frameworks for defense systems.
  • Develop high-fidelity digital twins for system evaluation.
  • Construct end-to-end simulations encompassing various models.
  • Design architectures for simulation that facilitate rapid design trades.
  • Conduct Monte Carlo analyses and mission-level simulations.
  • Collaborate with systems engineers to verify system performance via simulation strategies.
  • Analyze simulation datasets to uncover design enhancements and risks.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary, stock options, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • 401K enrollment after 90 days of employment.
  • Generous PTO and observance of most Federal Holidays.
  • Collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
  • Access to state-of-the-art tools and technologies.
  • High degree of responsibility and autonomy in work.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and engagement with challenging technical problems.
Full Job Description
We're looking for a Lead Modeling & Simulation Engineer to own the architecture and development of our modeling and simulation capabilities. This individual will be responsible for building high-fidelity digital models of our systems, enabling rapid design iteration, validating performance, and supporting system development across the full engineering lifecycle.

You'll work closely with systems, controls, software, RF, autonomy, and hardware engineers to develop simulation environments that accelerate product development and reduce risk before hardware reaches the field.

This is a highly technical leadership role where you'll define simulation strategy while remaining hands-on with model development and analysis.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead development of modeling and simulation frameworks for complex defense and aerospace systems.
  • Develop high-fidelity digital twins to evaluate system performance, mission effectiveness, and operational behavior.
  • Build end-to-end simulations incorporating flight dynamics, controls, sensors, communications, RF effects, navigation, guidance, and environmental models.
  • Design simulation architectures supporting rapid design trades, system optimization, and hardware development.
  • Develop Monte Carlo analyses, probabilistic performance models, and mission-level simulations.
  • Partner closely with systems engineers to define requirements and verify system performance through simulation.
  • Integrate physics-based models with software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and digital engineering environments.
  • Analyze large simulation datasets to identify design improvements and technical risks.
  • Establish simulation best practices, coding standards, verification methodologies, and model validation processes.
  • Mentor other engineers while serving as the company's technical expert in modeling and simulation.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
  • Active U.S. Security Clearance (or the ability to obtain one).
  • 8+ years of experience developing modeling and simulation solutions for aerospace, defense, robotics, missiles, UAVs, autonomous systems, or related industries.
  • Strong experience with MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C++, or similar simulation environments.
  • Experience modeling dynamic systems, control systems, estimation algorithms, or autonomous behaviors.
  • Strong understanding of physics-based modeling and numerical methods.
  • Experience performing system performance analysis, trade studies, and verification through simulation.
  • Comfortable working across multidisciplinary engineering teams.


Bonus Points

  • Experience with missile systems, guided weapons, UAVs, autonomous aircraft, or military platforms.
  • Experience with digital engineering and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
  • Familiarity with SysML and Cameo.
  • Experience with software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), or digital twin environments.
  • Experience modeling RF propagation, GPS-denied navigation, sensors, EO/IR systems, or electronic warfare.
  • Familiarity with Gazebo, Unreal Engine, ROS, STK, AFSIM, MATLAB Aerospace Toolbox, or similar simulation tools.


ITAR Regulations

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a US Citizen, Green Card holder, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.


What We Offer

  • Competitive salary, stock options and benefits, including health, vision and dental.
  • 401K enrollment at 90 days.
  • Generous PTO + most Federal Holidays observed.
  • Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
  • Access to the latest tools and technologies.
  • High levels of responsibility and autonomy.
  • Professional growth and development opportunities.
  • Access to the hardest problems in electronic warfare.


$180,000 - $220,000 a year

Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience.

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