Defense Modeling Simulation Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Job Posting Title:

Post Doctoral Scholar

The Opportunity:

The School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training (SMST) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position. The selected candidate will work on research and development for testing, analysis, and integration of AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms in new simulation and training architectures and technologies. Knowledge of AI/ML is important, but the focus will be on the high-fidelity simulation environments, software networking bridges, and physical data collection architectures. The candidate will lead the C++ / Unreal Engine software engineering efforts, ensuring sub-millisecond data synchronization between simulation frameworks and external Python-based AI models hosted at partner institutions. Skills we are seeking are:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident is greatly preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Modeling & Simulation, Computer Science, Engineering, or closely related STEM field, from an accredited institution

- Experience in Unreal Engine, C++ Programming

Preferred Qualifications:

Primary: Unreal Engine, C++ Programming, Systems Integration, Simulation & Training, Network Programming (UDP/TCP/ZeroMQ), API Development, CUDA programming, python programming, Hardware Acceleration, strong verbal and written communication skills necessary for writing research articles and presenting at conferences.

Secondary: Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), JSON Serialization, Headless Simulation, Python, Ground Vehicle Systems, and Defense M&S.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload the following:

• A curriculum vitae.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Dr Ghaith Rabadi at Ghaith.rabadi@ucf.edu

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

All applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. H-1B visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H-1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.

Job Close Date: 09/14/26

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you'll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You'll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you'll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you'll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF's expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) - School of Modeling, Simulation and Training

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Type of Appointment

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Expected Salary

Negotiable

The University of Central Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please email onac@ucf.edu.