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Model Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Improbable LLC

Model Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

Our model engineers take cutting-edge domain specific research and combine it with best practices, pragmatism, and creativity to run our complex realistic simulations as fast as possible; solving our ...

Improbable LLC

Model Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

Our model engineers take cutting-edge domain specific research and combine it with best practices, pragmatism, and creativity to run our complex realistic simulations as fast as possible; solving our ...

Improbable LLC

Model Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Our model engineers take cutting-edge domain specific research and combine it with best practices, pragmatism, and creativity to run our complex realistic simulations as fast as possible; solving our ...

Systems-Logic Inc

JAVA Developer

Sterling, VA

$50.50 - $65.25/hr

With interfaces and implementations at Service, Business/Manager, and DataAccess layers Any expertise on the Object Model to Data Model engineering (ORM/hibernate) might help because there are almost ...

Intrepid

AI/ML Model Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Test model performance and refine algorithms. * Monitor AI-driven systems in production ... Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field * Minimum 5 years of AI/ML expertise and ...

Intrepidgs

AI/ML Model Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Test model performance and refine algorithms. * Monitor AI-driven systems in production ... Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field * Minimum 5 years of AI/ML expertise and ...

KBR

Digital Modeling Engineer

Chantilly, VA

... Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) efforts for an Intelligence Community Space customer. Key Responsibilities: * Lead Developer for descriptive MBSE models supporting Enterprise/System of Systems ...

KBR, Inc.

Digital Modeling Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

... Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) efforts for an Intelligence Community Space customer. Key Responsibilities: * Lead Developer for descriptive MBSE models supporting Enterprise/System of Systems ...

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Model Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$31

$66

How much do model engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for model engineering in Virginia is $31.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $38.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Model Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, precision fabrication, and often a relevant engineering degree or technical training. Familiarity with CAD software, CNC machines, lathes, and other fabrication tools is typically required, along with any relevant safety certifications. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills help set outstanding model engineers apart. These skills ensure that accurate, functional, and high-quality models or prototypes are produced efficiently and safely.

What are some typical challenges faced by model engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Model engineers often work closely with data scientists, product managers, and software engineers to develop and deploy machine learning models. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication across teams with different technical backgrounds, especially when translating complex model requirements into actionable development tasks. Additionally, balancing accuracy and performance with business needs can be demanding, requiring model engineers to find practical solutions that align with project goals. Regular meetings and thorough documentation are essential to streamline collaboration and overcome these hurdles.

What is model engineering?

Model engineering is the discipline of designing, building, and testing scale models of machines, engines, and mechanical systems, often as a hobby or for educational purposes. It involves applying engineering principles to create functional replicas, usually of steam engines, locomotives, or other mechanical devices. Model engineers use skills in machining, metalworking, and problem-solving to bring detailed plans to life. The field combines creativity, craftsmanship, and technical knowledge, and is popular among enthusiasts who enjoy both the process and the finished models.

What does a model engineer do?

A model engineer designs, builds, and maintains detailed scale models, often for engineering, architectural, or educational purposes. They work with tools like lathes, mills, and 3D modeling software, and typically require technical skills and precision to create accurate representations. Model engineers may also perform repairs and modifications to existing models and often work in workshops or laboratories.

What is the difference between Model Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectModel EngineeringMechanical Engineering
CredentialsTypically requires specialized training or certifications in model making and designRequires a bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering or related fields
Work EnvironmentHobbyist workshops, small-scale manufacturing, or specialized model shopsIndustrial facilities, engineering firms, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageUsed in hobbyist communities, model railroads, and small-scale prototypesApplied across various industries including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing

Model Engineering focuses on creating detailed, small-scale models often as a hobby or for prototypes, requiring specialized skills and certifications. Mechanical Engineering covers a broad range of industrial applications, involving design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. While both involve mechanical principles, Model Engineering is more specialized and hobby-oriented, whereas Mechanical Engineering is a comprehensive, industry-wide profession.

What are popular job titles related to Model Engineering jobs in Virginia? For Model Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Model Engineering jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Model Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
Model Engineering jobs near you

Model Engineer

Improbable LLC

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Join Improbable U.S. Defense & National Security and you will help users leverage our synthetic environment development platform to plan and train for the most complex security threats in the world. Working along experts in AI, Machine Learning, computational modeling, and distributed systems, you will put multiplayer gaming technology to life-saving use.  
  
Our mission? To enable the most realistic and effective virtual worlds ever experienced. Our team in Arlington, VA, and across several other locations in the US, is focused on applying our technology to solve real-world Defense and National Security problems.  
  
At Improbable, you will be surrounded by people who want to improve everything and everyone around them, and who compel you to improve yourself. We're motivated by the fulfillment of solving hard problems to achieve something profound and transformative. 
 

Your mission is to build robust, performant, scalable scientific models that support our entire product offering and facilitate next generation decision support. We are a diverse team of engineers and applied scientists working very collaboratively, internally and with our customers.  We are friendly and inclusive; driven to take synthetic environments to the next level. 

We focus on modularity and reusability to create complex systems from combinations of simpler systems, such as modeling social systems as goal oriented actors in a synthetic environment with imperfect information. Our model engineers take cutting-edge domain specific research and combine it with best practices, pragmatism, and creativity to run our complex realistic simulations as fast as possible; solving our customers' problems and supporting their decision-making processes. 
Areas for Impact
  • Contributing improvements to practices and processes of a high performing team. 
  • Maturing prototype models so that they are scalable, robust and performant. 
  • Developing and implementing algorithms which result in plausible modeled behavior.
  • Building pipelines to extract, synthesize and integrate data from various sources, making it available to simulation engines and user interfaces. 
  • Building tooling that enables model developers to do their work quicker and better. 
  • Measuring, tracking, and improving performance of models so that we can reach new levels of speed and scale. 
  • Taking ownership of verifying the reliability of the models that we create. 
  • Working closely with our customers to understand their problems and develop use cases for Improbable technology. 
We would like to hear from you if you identify with the following
  • You have 3+ years professional experience (or an advanced degree) in model and simulation development. 
  • Proficient coding ability - with fluency in at least one relevant programming language and the openness to learn and adapt to a variety of languages. We use Python, Java, C++, C#, and many related tools and libraries. 
  • You are familiar with the more advanced features of software design (e.g. decorators, generators, objects/classes, system and API design) and data science/simulation techniques and libraries (e.g. agent based modeling, algorithm complexity, data frames, graph theory, machine learning).
  • You are proactive and autonomous, able to identify the most impactful work among competing requirements. 
  • You have a strong sense of intellectual curiosity; ready to hone your craft and inspire others to be better engineers. 
  • You enjoy pair programming, collaboration, and are passionate about sharing knowledge with and learning from others. 
  • You are naturally pragmatic, balancing fast-moving project requirements with quality and good practices. 
While we think the above experience could be important, we're keen to hear from people that believe they have valuable experience to bring to the role. If you identify with the team and mission, but not all of our requirements, then please still apply!
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.
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