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Lead Simulation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site +1

$142K - $235K/yr

Lead Simulation Engineer Department: Software Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: Denise Brown Compensation: $142,000 - $235,000 / year Description ...

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 ...

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 ...

Lead Simulation Engineer

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

As a Lead Simulation Engineer, you'll fuse Program of Record ( PoR ) sims, including NGST, AFSIM, AFMSTT, and SAFESIM, with real-time engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine as well as NVIDIA ...

Simulation Engineer, Lead

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Simulation Engineer, Lead The Opportunity: You build the synthetic worlds that help warfighters decide faster. As a Lead Simulation Engineer, you'll fuse Program of Record (PoR) sims, including NGST ...

Lead Simulation Software Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is currently seeking a Lead Simulation Software Engineer to support a proprietary program within the Air Dominance ...

Lead Simulation Software Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is currently seeking a Lead Simulation Software Engineer to support a proprietary program within the Air Dominance ...

Lead Simulation Software Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is currently seeking a Lead Simulation Software Engineer to support a proprietary program within the Air Dominance ...

Lead Simulation Software Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is currently seeking a Lead Simulation Software Engineer to support a proprietary program within the Air Dominance ...

Lead Simulation Software Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is currently seeking a Lead Simulation Software Engineer to support a proprietary program within the Air Dominance ...

Lead Simulation Software Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is currently seeking a Lead Simulation Software Engineer to support a proprietary program within the Air Dominance ...

Simulation Engineer

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site +1

$65K - $140K/yr

Dematic is seeking a Simulation Engineer to join our team in Grand Rapids, MI; Atlanta, GA; Plano ... Configure, complete, and lead simulation scenarios, experiments, and statistical runs. * Interpret ...

Simulation Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site +1

$65K - $140K/yr

Dematic is seeking a Simulation Engineer to join our team in Grand Rapids, MI; Atlanta, GA; Plano ... Configure, complete, and lead simulation scenarios, experiments, and statistical runs. * Interpret ...

Simulation Engineer

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site +1

$65K - $140K/yr

Dematic is seeking a Simulation Engineer to join our team in Grand Rapids, MI; Atlanta, GA; Plano ... Configure, complete, and lead simulation scenarios, experiments, and statistical runs. * Interpret ...

Simulation Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site +1

$65K - $140K/yr

Dematic is seeking a Simulation Engineer to join our team in Grand Rapids, MI; Atlanta, GA; Plano ... Configure, complete, and lead simulation scenarios, experiments, and statistical runs. * Interpret ...

Simulation Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$65K - $140K/yr

Dematic is seeking a Simulation Engineer to join our team in Grand Rapids, MI; Atlanta, GA; Plano ... Configure, complete, and lead simulation scenarios, experiments, and statistical runs. * Interpret ...

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Lead Simulation Engineer information

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$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead simulation engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead simulation engineer?

A Lead Simulation Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the development, execution, and improvement of simulation models and systems. They lead teams of engineers in creating simulations used for testing, analysis, and optimization of products or processes in industries such as automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing. Their role involves project management, technical guidance, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of simulation results. Lead Simulation Engineers often collaborate with design, development, and testing teams to drive innovation and efficiency. They also play a key part in mentoring junior engineers and standardizing simulation methodologies.

How does a lead simulation engineer typically interact with cross-functional teams during a project?

A Lead Simulation Engineer frequently collaborates with design, testing, and product development teams to ensure simulation models align with project requirements and real-world parameters. They participate in meetings to gather input, clarify technical constraints, and provide updates on simulation progress. This collaborative approach helps identify potential issues early and ensures simulation results are actionable for decision-making. Clear communication and coordination are key to integrating simulation outcomes into the overall engineering workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead simulation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Simulation Engineer, you need expertise in physics-based modeling, systems engineering, and proficiency in simulation methodologies, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS, or similar platforms, and often certifications in relevant software, is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you guide teams and convey complex technical concepts effectively. These abilities ensure accurate simulations, effective project execution, and successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Lead Simulation Engineer vs Mechanical Simulation Engineer?

AspectLead Simulation EngineerMechanical Simulation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications in simulation softwareBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, certifications in CAD and simulation tools
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D departments, engineering firmsManufacturing, product design, automotive, aerospace
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries requiring complex simulations and team leadershipCommon in mechanical design, product testing, and development

The main difference between a Lead Simulation Engineer and a Mechanical Simulation Engineer lies in their scope and responsibilities. The Lead Simulation Engineer typically oversees simulation projects, manages teams, and ensures project delivery, while the Mechanical Simulation Engineer focuses on performing detailed mechanical simulations to support design and testing. Both roles require strong technical skills and familiarity with simulation software, but the Lead role involves more leadership and project management duties.

More about Lead Simulation Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Lead Simulation Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Lead Simulation Engineer

Astrolab

Hawthorne, CA • On-site, Remote

$142K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Lead Simulation Engineer
Department: Software Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, California
Reporting To: Denise Brown
Compensation: $142,000 - $235,000 / year
Description
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on - rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
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 the simulation with vehicle software and automated integrated test tools. The lead simulation engineer will support long-term strategic planning of simulation scope and capabilities with the larger software team and manage the short term tactical priorities. This position is a technical leadership position with an expectation that the lead will also be doing hands on work as part of the simulation team, especially in the realm of integration with other tools and simulation performance improvements.
What you'll do:
  • Work with GNC and software team stakeholders to define the architecture of Astrolab's GNC and flight software (FSW) verification simulation environment
  • Work with GNC and software team stakeholders to determine simulation milestones and development priorities based on stakeholder needs and vehicle schedule
  • Manage day to day simulation development to ensure the defined architecture is delivered on time to stakeholders for each agreed-upon milestone, including defining sprint priorities, assigning tasks to developers, and ensuring tasks are completed on schedule
  • Develop simulation verification and validation (V&V) plan and execute the plan to ensure that the simulation has appropriate levels of V&V for each milestone delivery to stakeholders
  • Support development of environment, vehicle, and hardware models to ensure the right elements are modeled to the proper level of fidelity
  • Provide significant technical support for integrating the simulation with the GNC prototype environment, vehicle FSW running in software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop modes, and with FSW test infrastructure

What you'll bring:
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience architecting and developing real-time or accelerated (faster-than-real-time) simulations of complex systems, such as spacecraft, aircraft, automobiles, robotic systems, or similar platforms. Experience must include development of vehicle and/or subsystem models, operating environment models, and simulation infrastructure
  • Experience leading simulation development efforts and integrating simulation environments with vehicle software, embedded software, or flight software running in software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), or similar testing environments

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with simulation verification and validation (V&V), Monte Carlo or statistical performance analysis, and performance optimization for real-time or accelerated simulation execution
  • Experience developing vehicle dynamics models, including rigid-body and/or flexible-body dynamics, suspension systems, terramechanics, and numerical integration techniques
  • Experience developing simulations for extraterrestrial rovers or planetary surface vehicles, including the use of relevant planetary environment models such as lunar gravity, Mars gravity, atmospheric, or terrain models
  • Experience modeling sensors, actuators, and associated error sources
  • Experience implementing fault-injection capabilities in simulation environments
  • Proficiency in C++ and Python software development
  • Experience planning work scope, establishing technical milestones, and guiding simulation teams to successful delivery

Benefits and Perks
  • Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
  • Equity ownership in the company
  • Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Flexible PTO and parental leave
  • Home office set up reimbursement
  • Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
  • Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks