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Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Sedaro

Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Salary: $95K-125K + Equity Overview Sedaro is hiring a Modeling & Simulation Engineer to build the high fidelity simulation software that powers our cutting-edge simulation platform and help ...

AEVEX

Software Engineer 3

Washington, DC

$65 - $87.50/hr

Job Overview A software engineer is part of the software development team that creates software ... Strong familiarity with Autopilot systems, ground control stations, or flight simulation software ...

Metron

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Our Reston team is hiring a Software Engineer to help build and mature technically sophisticated software for simulation, optimization, and decision support in mission-focused environments. This role ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$57K - $104K/yr

Software Engineer (R&D / AI & Data Platforms) Leidos - Analysis Solutions Business Area Build the ... Support data analysis, modeling, simulation, and visualization efforts * Ensure software quality ...

Anthem Engineering

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Software developer roles and responsibilities include providing expertise in the full software ... Experience developing in an Agile environment Level: Entry Level - SME Clearance: Active security ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$57K - $104K/yr

Software Engineer (R&D / AI & Data Platforms) Leidos - Analysis Solutions Business Area Build the ... Support data analysis, modeling, simulation, and visualization efforts * Ensure software quality ...

Electra Aero, Inc.

Simulation Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

The Role As a Simulation Engineer at Electra, you'll build and maintain the software and hardware in the loop simulation environments that engineering and test rely on to validate the EL9's systems ...

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All JobsEntry Level Simulation Software Engineer JobsEntry Level Simulation Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$27.2K

$118.8K

$214.1K

How much do entry level simulation software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level simulation software engineer in Washington, DC is $118,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $135,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, petroleum, or aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or technical expert positions, and possessing certifications or advanced degrees.

What is L1, L2, L3, and L4 developer?

In the context of an Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of developer experience and responsibility, with L1 being entry-level and L4 being senior or lead roles. These levels often indicate increasing expertise, complexity of tasks handled, and leadership responsibilities, and they may be associated with specific skills, certifications, or project scopes within a development team.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level simulation software engineers do not earn that level of salary, highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, defense, or financial modeling can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Achieving this typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in high-paying industries or senior leadership roles.

What does an Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer do?

An Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer develops and tests software that models real-world systems, such as physical processes, engineering designs, or virtual environments. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers to write code, run simulations, analyze results, and troubleshoot issues. Their work helps organizations predict system behavior, optimize designs, and reduce the need for costly physical prototypes. This role often involves programming, understanding mathematical models, and collaborating with other engineering teams.

Is it true that AI will replace software engineers?

Entry level simulation software engineers develop and test models using programming languages and simulation tools. While AI can automate certain tasks like code generation and testing, it is unlikely to fully replace software engineers, as human expertise is needed for designing, debugging, and understanding complex systems.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level simulation software engineers, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level simulation software engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex simulation models, learning industry-specific tools, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to actively seek mentorship from senior engineers, participate in team meetings to gain context, and dedicate time to hands-on practice with simulation tools. Regular communication with team members and taking advantage of available documentation can also accelerate learning and integration into the workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, mathematics, and programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation frameworks, modeling tools (like MATLAB or Simulink), and version control systems (such as Git) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities enable engineers to develop accurate, efficient simulations and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, ensuring successful project outcomes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Simulation Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Simulation Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 74% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,767 per year, or $57.1 per hour.
Simulation Software Engineer

Simulation Software Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 57 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you a versatile developer who wants to apply modern software practices to solve critical, real-world challenges in strike weapon technology?
Are you a software engineer who is naturally curious about how things work and loves collaborating with experts to build the right scientific computing solutions?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
The Strike Guidance, Navigation, Control, and Seekers group is looking for a Simulation Software Engineer to help us architect, develop, and modernize physics-based simulations across a wide-ranging set of programs. Our group's goal is to ensure the United States has a distinct technology advantage in autonomous systems by leading the next generation of development and prototyping. We do this by providing world class design solutions with a focus on:
  • Guidance, Navigation, and Controls
  • Radio Frequency (RF) and Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors
  • Modeling and Simulation (M&S)
  • Hardware/Software Development & Test
  • Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimization

We develop and apply simulations to explore these areas across a variety of systems including hypersonic missiles, submarines, cruise missiles, and autonomous flight vehicles. As a member of our team, you will apply advanced programming techniques and design skills to develop sophisticated simulations and algorithms in many or all of these domains. We are committed to developing exceptional talent and fostering a culture of innovation, and as part of our group, you will have a chance to grow your expertise across these technologies.
As a Simulation Software Engineer, you will...
  • Develop physics-based models, algorithms, and simulations, applying modern software engineering practices and next-generation technologies to advance our capabilities.
  • Work closely with our cross-disciplinary team of engineers as well as simulation architecture experts across the lab to design innovate solutions to critical challenges.
  • Adapt simulations and algorithms to run on high-performance systems (such as cluster compute environments) or to integrate with test hardware.

Qualifications
You will meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
  • Have professional experience developing simulations or other scientific computing applications using C++ or a similar language.
  • Have proficiency with a high-level programming language such as Matlab/Simulink or Python.
  • Have experience developing software both individually and as part of a collaborative team, applying standard software engineering practices such as version control, CI/CD, test development, and containerization.
  • Are passionate about scientific computing and eager to learn domain-specific topics including guidance, navigation, control, and seekers.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire a Top Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government secret clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have an MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
  • Have at least one year of professional experience developing simulations or other scientific computing applications using object oriented C++.
  • Have experience developing physics-based kinematic simulations (i.e. 6DOF), IR and RF seeker simulations, or simulations involving GNC algorithms.
  • Have experience designing, training, and deploying machine learning solutions to real-world problems, utilizing tools and frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
  • Have experience in one or more of the following areas: high performance computing (HPC); Nvidia CUDA or other GPU programming; FPGA programming; highly concurrent systems; signal processing; writing software that interfaces with embedded systems hardware or other hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations.
  • Are skilled developing software in both Linux and Windows environments using CMake and Visual Studio.
  • Currently possess an active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually

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