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Automation Simulation Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA

Mobile Automation Tester

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Develop and test using Android emulator and iOS simulator * Able to report mobile automation test ... Strong proficiency in Java programming language. * Experience with BDD and ATDD frameworks * Hands ...

Showing results 41-60

Automation Simulation Engineer information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$39.9K

$126.2K

$194.8K

How much do automation simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation simulation engineer in Ashburn, VA is $126,189.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,100.00 and $149,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation simulation engineer?

Automation Simulation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test virtual models of automated systems, such as robotics, manufacturing lines, or industrial processes. They use simulation software to replicate real-world operations, helping companies optimize performance, identify issues, and reduce costs before actual implementation. Their work is crucial in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where efficiency and precision are vital. By simulating automation systems, they enable organizations to make informed decisions and improve overall productivity.

How does an automation simulation engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during project development?

Automation Simulation Engineers frequently work alongside controls engineers, mechanical designers, and project managers to ensure simulation models accurately reflect real-world system behaviors. Collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, sharing simulation results, and iterating on model parameters based on feedback from different departments. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as simulation insights guide design choices, troubleshoot potential issues, and optimize automation processes before physical implementation. This cross-disciplinary approach ensures smoother project execution and greater system reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation simulation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Simulation Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, control systems, and process automation, usually supported by a degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering. Proficiency with simulation software (such as Siemens Tecnomatix, Rockwell Arena, or MATLAB/Simulink), programming languages, and PLC systems is crucial, and certifications in automation or simulation tools are often valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills enable you to interpret complex data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are essential to ensure accurate modeling, efficient automation solutions, and successful project outcomes in industrial environments.

What is the difference between Automation Simulation Engineer vs Automation Test Engineer?

AspectAutomation Simulation EngineerAutomation Test Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and validating simulation models for automation systemsDesigning and executing automated tests for software and hardware
Required SkillsSimulation software, control systems, programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB)Testing frameworks, scripting, defect tracking
Work EnvironmentEngineering labs, R&D departments, manufacturing settingsSoftware development teams, QA departments, manufacturing
Industry UsageManufacturing, robotics, industrial automationSoftware development, electronics, automation industries

While both roles involve automation, the Automation Simulation Engineer focuses on creating virtual models to test automation systems, whereas the Automation Test Engineer concentrates on executing automated tests to ensure software and hardware quality. Both roles require technical skills and are vital in automation industries, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Automation Simulation Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA?

For Automation Simulation Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Ashburn, VA are hiring for Automation Simulation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most Automation Simulation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Automation Simulation Engineer job openings in Ashburn, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,189 per year, or $60.7 per hour.

Software Engineer, Agentic Modeling & Simulation (Systems Engineer, Sr)

Redwire Space

Chantilly, VA

$126K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Redwire is an innovative space and defense technology company driving advanced capabilities across the aerospace sector. We are looking for a leader who can contribute to concept of operations development, mission solution design, and strategic analysis for spacecraft programs supporting National Security Space. This includes work spanning space domain awareness, space resiliency, mission autonomy, structures, sensors, and next‑generation space systems.
The AI/ML Engineer designs, builds, and scales the backend, data, and computational infrastructure that powers intelligent agents, autonomous workflows, and AI‑driven decision systems. This role blends high‑performance backend engineering, graph‑centric data modeling, real‑time processing, and secure API design with emerging agentic architectures. You will work across simulation, data, and systems engineering teams to deliver intelligent, reliable, and mission‑aligned agentic capabilities supporting aerospace, defense, and other high‑integrity environments.
Major Responsibilities
  • Develop agentic system capabilities — Build and integrate AI agents, autonomous workflows, and LLM‑driven decision systems into backend architectures.
  • Design high‑performance backend services — Implement low‑latency, high‑throughput services in Python, C++, or Rust.
  • Architect real‑time processing pipelines — Build deterministic, concurrent, or multi‑threaded pipelines for real‑time agentic decision loops.
  • Develop and govern data‑access layers — Implement indexing, query optimization, and data‑model governance for evolving knowledge domains.
  • Build and optimize APIs — Design REST, GraphQL, and gRPC interfaces with strong schema governance and versioning.
  • Integrate graph‑centric data systems — Model agent memory, context graphs, and reasoning structures using graph databases.
  • Ensure reliability and observability — Implement logging, metrics, tracing, error handling, and automated testing.
  • Collaborate across engineering domains — Work with systems engineers, simulation experts, analysts, and DevOps to define clean integration boundaries.
  • Support secure and compliant operations — Apply authentication, authorization, secrets management, and secure‑by‑design principles.
Ideal Experience
  • STEM foundation — Bachelor’s degree in CS, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Backend amp; systems engineering — 1–5 years building backend systems, distributed services, or data‑driven pipelines.
  • High‑performance programming — Proficiency in Python, C++, or Rust for low‑latency or high‑throughput systems.
  • Agentic system integration — Experience integrating AI agents, autonomous workflows, or LLM‑based decision systems.
  • Graph‑centric data modeling — Experience with Neo4j, DGraph, ArangoDB, or similar technologies.
  • Database schema amp; modeling — Experience with relational, graph, and document databases.
  • Real‑time processing — Experience with concurrent, deterministic, or multi‑threaded pipelines.
  • High‑throughput data APIs — Experience with streaming systems and binary transport formats.
  • Networking amp; data transport — Expertise with UDP/TCP, Pub/Sub, and distributed messaging.
  • GPU‑accelerated computation — Understanding of CUDA, GPU kernels, or heterogeneous compute architectures.
  • API design expertise — Experience designing REST, GraphQL, and gRPC APIs.
  • Microservice architectures — Familiarity with containerized deployments and service‑to‑service patterns.
  • CI/CD integration — Experience integrating backend services into CI/CD pipelines.
  • Service reliability fundamentals — Observability, error handling, contract validation, and automated testing.
  • API amp; data security — Strong understanding of authentication, authorization, and secure data‑access patterns.
  • Engineering rigor — Experience working in aerospace/defense or other high‑integrity environments.
  • Security eligibility — U.S. Citizen; able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred).
Desired Skills
  • Multi‑protocol API development — REST, gRPC, SOAP, GraphQL.
  • Agent‑oriented data structures — Modeling agent memory, context graphs, or reasoning chains.
  • HPC‑adjacent workflows — Simulation data, scientific computation, or data‑dense analytics.
  • Simulation amp; modeling systems — Integrating AI agents with simulation engines or digital‑engineering tools.
  • Distributed computation frameworks — Job orchestration, distributed compute, or Monte Carlo automation.
  • High‑rate data processing — Optimizing ingestion and processing for high‑rate sensor or telemetry data.
  • Regulated industry exposure — Aerospace, defense, robotics, or similar domains.
  • Internal tooling development — Tools or libraries used across engineering teams.
  • Cross‑functional collaboration — Work with systems engineers, analysts, simulation experts, and product teams.
  • Open‑source contributions — Contributions to backend frameworks, agent libraries, or data‑modeling tools.
Pay range
$93,000 - $150,000 per year
Grow with us as we innovate the next generation capabilities for a new era of space exploration!  We offer a highly competitive benefits package along with a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, and Excellence.   
Don’t meet every single requirement above? No worries.  We want people who can grow, collaborate and build a stronger team.  We strive to build a diverse and inclusive culture, so if you’re excited about this job posting, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.   
Redwire Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with MIS is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
All offers of employment at Redwire Space are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the Click Here