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Director Modeling Simulation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

We are seeking a MEMS Engineer to join our MEMS development group. Strong preference will be given ... direct responsibilities for developing new design concepts and architectures, modeling/simulation ...

MEMS Engineer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

We are seeking a MEMS Engineer to join our MEMS development group. Strong preference will be given ... direct responsibilities for developing new design concepts and architectures, modeling/simulation ...

MEMS Engineer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

We are seeking a MEMS Engineer to join our MEMS development group. Strong preference will be given ... direct responsibilities for developing new design concepts and architectures, modeling/simulation ...

The position combines experimental work, process modeling and simulation, and technical leadership ... Apply fundamental engineering principles and scale-up laws to guide process design and scale-up ...

Senior Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

The position combines experimental work, process modeling and simulation, and technical leadership ... Apply fundamental engineering principles and scale-up laws to guide process design and scale-up ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Modeling Simulation Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$40.2K

$127.1K

$196.2K

How much do director modeling simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for director modeling simulation engineer in Chicago, IL is $127,119.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,800.00 and $150,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Modeling Simulation Engineer, and why are they important?

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Modeling Simulation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Modeling Simulation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Director Modeling Simulation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Modeling Simulation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Director Modeling Simulation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Director Modeling Simulation Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,119 per year, or $61.1 per hour.
Principal/Sr. Principal Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer

Principal/Sr. Principal Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 340 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SAPTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

We are seeking capable, talented, and motivated team-contributors at our Northrop Grumman Rolling Meadows site. Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. These systems are designed, developed, built, integrated, and tested by the capable folks at our company to protect the lives of US and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.If you are interested in being considered for inclusion on this team, we invite you to apply.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing and testing custom algorithm solutions as well as developing and validating complex models and simulations. Successful candidates will bring a systems engineering approach to understanding physics phenomenology and creating our in-house algorithms and performance models. You will collaborate with a highly skilled team of engineers, physicists, and experts to implement those algorithms into a system or product. The candidate should have proficiency in software languages such as MATLAB and Python and familiarity with software development in C/C++. A successful candidate will also have strong technical writing and communication skills.

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.

This position may be contingent upon funding/contract award, special access program, and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

This position can be filled at the Principal Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer or Sr. Principal Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer level based on specific requirements.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer:

  • BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a STEM field with 5+ years of related experience, MS degree in STEM field with 3+ years of related experience, or PhD in STEM field with 1+ years of related experience
  • Experience developing custom algorithms and/or performance models
  • Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer:

  • BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a STEM field with 8+ years of related experience, MS degree in STEM field with 6+ years of related experience, or PhD in STEM field with 4+ years of related experience
  • Experience developing custom algorithms and/or performance models
  • Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance

Preferred Qualifications for Principal/Sr. Principal Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer:

  • Working knowledge of one or more of the following specialty areas of targeting and EOIR/RF systems: sensors/antennas, transmitters/receivers, optics, image processing, and tracking
  • Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass both hardware, software, and firmware
  • Proficiency in Java and AFSIM
  • Experience developing formal documentation for complex algorithms
  • Experience supporting requirements development and/or supporting implementation of complex algorithms as embedded software
  • Experience working as part of an agile team executing technical work under cost and schedule constraints
  • Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939