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Missile Simulation Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for a Simulation Software Engineer to join our Simulation Software (SSW) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This motivated and ...

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Missile Simulation Software Engineer information

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$74K

$137.8K

$197K

How much do missile simulation software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for missile simulation software engineer in the United States is $137,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $162,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a missile simulation software engineer do?

A Missile Simulation Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains computer software that simulates the behavior and performance of missile systems. This role involves creating realistic models of missile flight, guidance, navigation, and control, often to support research, development, testing, and training activities. Engineers in this field work closely with defense teams to ensure simulations are accurate and meet military or governmental standards. They typically use programming languages like C++, MATLAB, or Python and may work with real-time systems and hardware-in-the-loop setups. Their work is critical for reducing the cost and risk associated with live missile testing.

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

To thrive as a Missile Simulation Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, mathematics, and physics, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and experience with simulation modeling. Expertise in programming languages like C++ or Python, familiarity with simulation frameworks (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink), and knowledge of defense industry standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate and reliable simulation results, which support system development, testing, and mission success in a high-stakes defense environment.

How does a missile simulation software engineer typically collaborate with hardware engineers during the development process?

Missile Simulation Software Engineers frequently work closely with hardware engineers to ensure that software models accurately reflect real-world missile systems. Collaboration often involves regular meetings to align simulation parameters with hardware specifications, joint troubleshooting of integration issues, and iterative testing cycles. This close partnership helps identify discrepancies early, leading to more reliable simulations and smoother transitions from virtual to physical testing. Effective communication and a willingness to adapt are essential, as changes in hardware design may require quick software updates.

What are popular job titles related to Missile Simulation Software Engineer jobs?

For Missile Simulation Software Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Simulation Software Engineer, GNC

Torrance, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and maintain high-fidelity simulation software supporting missile guidance, navigation, and control (GNC).

  • Build scalable infrastructure to execute, manage, and analyze data from Monte Carlo campaigns and automate performance evaluation tools.

  • Support flight software integration, pre-flight analysis, and post-flight reconstruction.


Job description

About Castelion

Castelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production: one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. We're designing, building, and testing next generation long range strike weapons systems to give America and its Allies a definitive edge and deter future conflicts.

Senior Simulation Software Engineer, GNC

We're looking for a GNC Simulation Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain high-fidelity simulation software supporting missile guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) development. In this role, you'll work closely with GNC algorithm developers, flight software engineers, and test teams to create fast, accurate, and robust simulations that drive system architecture decisions, performance assessments, and mission success.

Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain a 6-DoF missile simulation software platform.
  • Build scalable infrastructure to execute, manage, and aggregate data from Monte Carlo campaigns, along with automated performance evaluation tools.
  • Ensure appropriate configuration management and shared sources of truth between simulation and flight code.
  • Optimize software for real-time or hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) execution where required.
  • Develop robust testing, verification, and documentation practices to ensure reliability and correctness.
  • Support flight software integration, pre-flight analysis, and post-flight reconstruction.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelors or Masters degree in computer engineering, computer science, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong proficiency in C++ or Rust for high-performance numerical modeling.
  • Proficiency with databases and large data structures.
  • Familiarity with version control, CI/CD pipelines, and modern software engineering practices.
  • Experience with numerical integration, coordinate transformations, and simulation architecture.
  • Experience with software integration, specifically linking disparate software modules (e.g., embedding Rust code in C++, Python bindings for C++ libraries).
  • Familiarity with GNC concepts in aerospace or missile systems.
  • Ability to develop well-structured, scalable, and efficient code.
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience with missile dynamics, aerodynamics, or propulsion modeling.
  • Background in Monte Carlo simulation pipelines and statistical analysis.
  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop or real-time simulation.
  • Exposure to sensor modeling (IMU, GPS, radar, seekers) or actuator modeling (TVC, CAS).
  • Experience integrating simulations with GNC or embedded flight software environments.
  • Experience designing APIs or internal tools for engineering teams.
Benefits

All employees are granted long-term stock incentives as part of their employment at Castelion. All employees receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance, and the company offers four weeks of paid time off per year.

Leadership Qualities Bias to Action and Creative Problem Solving

Desire and experience questioning assumptions in ways that lead to break through ideas that are ultimately implemented. Successfully bring in applicable processes/concepts/materials from other industries to achieve efficiency gains. Ability to personally resolve minor issues in development without requiring significant support.

High Commitment, High Initiative

A successful candidate will have a genuine passion for Castelion's mission and consistently look for ways to contribute to the company's technical goals and prevent hardware blockers. Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere. Strong sense of accountability and integrity.

Clear Communicator

Proactively communicates blockers. Trusted in previous roles to be voice of company with regulators, suppliers, gate keepers and customers. Capable of tactfully managing relationships with stakeholders to achieve company-desired outcomes without compromising relationships. Emails, IMs and verbal interactions are logical, drive clarity, and detailed enough to eliminate ambiguity.

ITAR Requirements
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. ยง 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. ยง 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Employment with Castelion is governed on the basis of competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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