1

Director Modeling Simulation Engineer Jobs in California

SIMULATION ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware ... Experience with direct numerical simulation (DNS) models * Familiarity with solid mechanics ...

SIMULATION ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware ... Experience with direct numerical simulation (DNS) models * Familiarity with solid mechanics ...

SIMULATION ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware ... Experience with direct numerical simulation (DNS) models * Familiarity with solid mechanics ...

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$142K - $235K/yr

The lead simulation engineer will be responsible for directing the technical work of the simulation team, including development of the simulation infrastructure, vehicle models, and integration of ...

Showing results 21-40

Director Modeling Simulation Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director modeling simulation engineer?

To thrive as a Director Modeling Simulation Engineer, you need advanced expertise in systems engineering, computational modeling, and simulation development, typically supported by a degree in engineering or applied sciences and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with technical tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, C++, and modeling frameworks, as well as certifications like INCOSE CSEP or PMP, is common. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and effectively present complex technical concepts to stakeholders. These abilities ensure successful project execution, innovation, and alignment of simulation efforts with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Director Modeling Simulation Engineer vs Modeling Simulation Engineer?

AspectDirector Modeling Simulation EngineerModeling Simulation Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, computer science, or related fields; often with leadership experienceRequires a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, computer science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and collaborates with senior managementFocuses on developing and running simulations, working within engineering teams
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, defense, automotive, and technology sectors for high-level simulation oversightCommonly employed in similar industries for technical simulation tasks

The main difference is that the Director Modeling Simulation Engineer oversees teams and strategic projects, while the Modeling Simulation Engineer focuses on technical simulation work. The director role involves leadership, project management, and higher-level decision-making, whereas the engineer role emphasizes hands-on simulation development and analysis.

How does a director modeling simulation engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

A Director Modeling Simulation Engineer often works closely with teams such as product development, systems engineering, and software engineering to ensure simulation models align with overall project goals. This role involves leading technical discussions, translating complex modeling requirements into actionable tasks, and providing guidance to ensure accuracy and integration of simulations within larger systems. Frequent collaboration may also include presenting findings to stakeholders, mentoring junior engineers, and coordinating with project managers to align timelines and deliverables. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential to facilitate effective teamwork and project outcomes.

What is a director modeling simulation engineer?

A Director Modeling Simulation Engineer is a senior-level leader responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of complex models and simulations, often within industries such as aerospace, defense, or engineering. This role involves managing teams of engineers and scientists, setting technical strategy, and ensuring that simulation tools meet organizational goals and project requirements. The director collaborates with other departments, ensures quality control, and often represents the modeling and simulation function to stakeholders. They are also involved in resource planning, budgeting, and mentoring junior staff. The position requires extensive technical expertise and leadership experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Modeling Simulation Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Modeling Simulation Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Director Modeling Simulation Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Modeling Simulation Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Director Modeling Simulation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Director Modeling Simulation Engineer job openings:

Staff Engineer, Modeling & Simulation (R4869)

Shield AI

San Diego, CA

$150K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

The Aircraft Simulation team turns frontier autonomy into mission-ready aircraft. We own the commit-to-flight pipeline—deterministic aircraft and mission simulation, HITL/SITL integration, CI/CD, and tooling for automated flight qualification testing. Our goal is simple: make AI fly—safely, reliably, and fast.

As a Staff Modeling & Simulation Engineer, you will be dedicated to Shield AI’s next-generation aircraft program, contributing to our emergent modeling & simulation tooling. You’ll design, build, and scale novel aircraft subsystem models, develop infrastructure that enables robust automated testing for our next generation XBAT product line, and conduct system performance analysis.

What you'll do:
  • Develop models and infrastructure for the integrated simulation pipeline in C++.
  • Design deterministic, high-performance simulation tools capable of faster-than-real-time execution for development, testing, and release.
  • Implement test scenarios and write unit, system, and regression tests.
  • Collaborate across autonomy, embedded, GNC, and test engineering to ensure the simulation mirrors real aircraft behavior and mission scenarios.
  • Contribute to platform-agnostic simulation tooling to accelerate current and future aircraft design and development efforts.
  • Perform verification and validation (V&V) analysis activities on modeling tools.
  • Conduct system performance analysis and generate reports and visualizations.
  • Utilize best practices in C++, simulation architecture, and performance engineering.
Required qualifications:
  • BS or MS in Computer Science, Aerospace, Robotics, or related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in simulation software development, with emphasis on modern C++ (C++17 or later) and performance optimization.
  • Strong understanding of rigid-body dynamics, kinematics, aerodynamics, and sensor mechanics.
  • Proven experience developing or integrating simulation systems for robotics, aerospace, and/or autonomous systems.
  • Ability to debug complex build and runtime environments (CMake, package management, logging, and profiling tools).
  • Experience with software testing tools (GTest, etc.)
  • Experience with simulation V&V.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills across software, hardware, and systems disciplines.
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Grasp of real-time and deterministic software design, including multi-threading, synchronization, and memory management.
  • Experience with DevOps-integrated simulation workflows, including CI/CD and automated hardware testing environments.
  • Working knowledge of Python for data analysis, test automation, or simulation orchestration.
  • Familiarity with aircraft and flight physics modeling.
#LI-SM1
#LD

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
###
 
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.