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Defense Modeling Simulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Modeling and Simulation Engineer Location: Arnold AFB, TN Job Family Code: O-Engineering Function ... Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret level security clearance and ...

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As our established modeling and simulation developer, you will contribute expertise in simulation ... Prior industry experience in aerospace or space & defense. * Systems engineering, with experience ...

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Defense Modeling Simulation information

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$39K

$101.3K

$144K

How much do defense modeling simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense modeling simulation in the United States is $101,255.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Defense Modeling Simulation vs Defense Systems Engineer?

AspectDefense Modeling SimulationDefense Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, computer science, or related fields; often certifications in modeling and simulationBachelor's or higher in engineering, systems engineering, or related fields; certifications in systems engineering may be preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, defense contractors, government agencies; focus on simulation development and analysisDesign, develop, and integrate defense systems; work in engineering teams within defense companies or military organizations
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in defense research, simulation development, and testingInvolved in system design, integration, and lifecycle management of defense platforms

Defense Modeling Simulation specialists focus on creating and analyzing simulations to test defense concepts, while Defense Systems Engineers design and develop actual defense systems. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

More about Defense Modeling Simulation jobs
What cities are hiring for Defense Modeling Simulation jobs? Cities with the most Defense Modeling Simulation job openings:
What states have the most Defense Modeling Simulation jobs? States with the most job openings for Defense Modeling Simulation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Defense Modeling Simulation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,255 per year, or $48.7 per hour.
Modeling & Simulation Engineer - Operations Analysis

Modeling & Simulation Engineer - Operations Analysis

Hikinex

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Location: The Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, CA (Onsite)
If you're interested in learning more about this opportunity or beginning the interview process, feel free to connect directly via LinkedIn:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ra...
Modeling & Simulation Engineer - Operations Analysis
An advanced defense technology company is seeking a Modeling & Simulation Engineer to support operational analysis, mission effectiveness studies, and system performance evaluation across next-generation defense and aerospace programs.
This role focuses on building and executing high-fidelity simulations that help evaluate sensors, communications systems, missiles, aircraft, autonomous systems, and mission-level engagements in operationally relevant scenarios.
The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and statistical capability with hands-on simulation experience and a deep understanding of mission systems, kill chains, and operational environments.
This is a highly technical role suited for engineers who thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy solving complex defense and mission-analysis problems.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, execute, and analyze mission-level modeling and simulation studies
  • Evaluate system performance and operational effectiveness across complex defense scenarios
  • Build and refine models for sensors, communications systems, aircraft, autonomous systems, missiles, and other mission assets
  • Perform operational analysis using simulation environments such as AFSIM, ESAMS, STK, Brawler, or equivalent mission-level frameworks
  • Apply rigorous statistical analysis methods to simulation outputs to quantify effectiveness, identify trends, and support decision-making
  • Develop Python- and/or MATLAB-based tools for simulation automation, data processing, visualization, and analysis
  • Support modeling efforts spanning radar performance, weapon employment, tracking, guidance, and engagement analysis
  • Create technical reports, visualizations, briefing materials, and operational assessments for technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Collaborate closely with engineering, systems, and customer-facing teams to translate operational questions into analytical studies
  • Maintain software development best practices including version control, reproducibility, and scalable workflows
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, Data Science, or related technical discipline
  • 5+ years of experience supporting defense, aerospace, intelligence, or advanced technology programs
  • Strong understanding of mission analysis, weapon employment concepts, or operational kill chains
  • Experience with one or more operational simulation tools such as:
    • AFSIM
    • ESAMS
    • STK
    • Brawler
    • Physics-based simulation environments
  • Strong Python and/or MATLAB programming skills for scientific computing and analysis
  • Solid statistical analysis and data interpretation capability
  • Experience building analytical workflows, simulations, or mission-level studies with minimal oversight
  • Strong understanding of physics, kinematics, and system-level interactions in operational environments
  • Comfortable working in Linux-based environments and developing scalable analysis tools
  • U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance required
Preferred Experience
  • Radar performance analysis and sensor effectiveness modeling
  • Missile systems, guidance, tracking, or engagement analysis
  • Modeling and simulation of aircraft, autonomous systems, spacecraft, or communications systems
  • Operations analysis or mission engineering experience within defense organizations or government programs
  • Familiarity with Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), SIMDIS, VR-Forces, or related visualization environments
  • Experience with software-in-the-loop simulation, autonomy systems, or guidance/navigation/control frameworks
  • Experience supporting DoD, DARPA, AFRL, ONR, intelligence community, or related government programs
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Familiarity with machine learning workflows, GPU acceleration, or advanced scientific computing libraries is a plus
What Makes This Opportunity Unique
This role offers the opportunity to help build a new operational analysis and modeling capability within a rapidly growing advanced defense environment.
The team is looking for engineers who can bridge rigorous analytical thinking with practical mission understanding - people who understand not only how to build simulations, but also how to interpret operational outcomes and identify what truly matters in mission execution.
You'll work on technically challenging problems spanning sensors, weapons, autonomous systems, and mission-level performance evaluation in support of high-impact national security programs.
Additional Information
  • Competitive compensation and equity package
  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage
  • 401(k) matching
  • PTO flexibility
  • Relocation assistance may be available
  • Full-time onsite collaboration environment
  • U.S. citizenship required due to security and export control requirements

Location: The Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, CA (Onsite)
To learn more or express interest, connect directly via LinkedIn:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ra...

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About Hikinex

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hikinex is a multi-channel integrated service provider designed to help Companies scale fast and drive more profit. We leverage diverse resources to provide Superior services at a fraction of the cost.

Industry

Strategic planning consulting services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2016

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