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Modeling Simulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Develop Flight Simulation Physics Models for eVTOL aircraft * Support vehicle level trade studies * Update system electrical, thermal, and performance model fidelity based on lab and flight test data ...

Conduct simulations to support Functional Hazard Analyses (FHAs) at a vehicle level. * Data Analysis & Model Validation: Analyze flight test data, identify sources of model error, and update vehicle ...

Staff Modeling & Simulation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152.10K - $202.10K/yr

Conduct simulations to support Functional Hazard Analyses (FHAs) at a vehicle level. * Data Analysis & Model Validation: Analyze flight test data, identify sources of model error, and update vehicle ...

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Modeling Simulation information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$99.9K

$142.1K

How much do modeling simulation jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for modeling simulation in California is $99,929.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $127,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Modeling and Simulation Specialist, you need strong analytical skills, a solid foundation in mathematics and statistics, and typically a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB, Simulink, or Arena), programming languages (like Python or C++), and sometimes certifications in modeling tools are highly valuable. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are soft skills that help professionals interpret complex data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate model development, insightful analysis, and successful application of simulations to real-world problems.

How do professionals in Modeling Simulation typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Modeling Simulation professionals often work closely with engineers, software developers, analysts, and project managers to develop accurate models and simulations for various applications. Collaboration usually involves gathering requirements, integrating domain expertise, validating simulation results, and refining models based on feedback. Regular meetings and iterative development cycles are common, helping ensure that models align with project goals and stakeholder needs. This interdisciplinary approach is essential for delivering robust solutions and often leads to valuable learning and career growth opportunities.

What is modeling and simulation in a professional context?

Modeling and simulation is the process of creating and using digital models to represent real-world systems, processes, or phenomena in order to analyze and predict their behavior. Professionals in this field use specialized software and mathematical techniques to simulate scenarios, test hypotheses, and optimize performance without the risk or expense of real-world experimentation. This approach is widely used in industries such as engineering, defense, healthcare, and manufacturing to improve decision-making, training, and system design.

What jobs make 3000 a month without a degree?

In modeling simulation, entry-level roles such as simulation technician or junior modeler can sometimes pay around $3,000 per month, especially with relevant technical skills and experience. Other related positions like CAD drafter or quality assurance tester may also reach this income level without requiring a degree, depending on the industry and location.

What is the difference between Modeling Simulation vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectModeling SimulationMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, computer science, or related fields; proficiency in simulation softwareBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering; often professional engineering license
Work EnvironmentSoftware development, research labs, engineering firmsManufacturing plants, design offices, R&D departments
Industry UsageDesign validation, system analysis, virtual prototypingProduct design, testing, manufacturing processes
Common Search/ComparisonModeling Simulation vs Mechanical Engineer

Modeling Simulation specialists focus on creating virtual models and running simulations to analyze system behaviors, often requiring programming skills and software expertise. Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test physical products and systems, utilizing their engineering knowledge in practical applications. While both roles overlap in engineering principles, Modeling Simulation emphasizes virtual analysis, whereas Mechanical Engineering centers on physical product development.

What cities in California are hiring for Modeling Simulation jobs? Cities in California with the most Modeling Simulation job openings:

Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Singularity Defense Corp.

Gardena, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

About the Company:
We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and several Silicon Valley firms. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.
Job Overview:
As a GNC Engineer focused on Simulations, you will lead the development of high-fidelity physics-based simulations for end-to-end missile flight and guidance validation. These simulations serve as a digital proving ground for our flight software, autonomy stack, and control systems-enabling us to iterate rapidly and validate in silico what would otherwise require expensive, slow, or impossible real-world testing.
You'll own simulation architecture, real-time physics integration, and testbed development. If you're comfortable writing performant simulation code in Rust and Python, and you're looking to do impactful work on a system that must work the first time, this is your chance.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design high-performance 6-DOF flight and physics simulations
  • Build simulation components that replicate real-world dynamics and sensor behavior
  • Integrate guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) logic into full-stack simulations
  • Develop Monte Carlo, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), and closed-loop test infrastructure
  • Collaborate closely with flight software, autonomy, and hardware teams to ensure simulation fidelity matches real-world constraints
  • Create tooling to support scenario authoring, data visualization, and performance analysis
  • Own simulation pipeline performance and determinism across a wide range of conditions

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of experience building simulations or numerical modeling frameworks
  • Proficient in Rust and Python for performance-critical and test-driven development
  • Understanding of rigid body dynamics, kinematics, numerical integration, and physics
  • Experience building tools for flight dynamics, aerospace simulation, or autonomous systems

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Monte Carlo testing, sensor emulation, and closed-loop control validation
  • Familiarity with real-time systems, latency-sensitive architectures, or distributed simulation
  • Experience deploying or validating autonomous systems (missiles, drones, satellites, or vehicles)
  • Familiarity with Rust game engines or physics libraries (e.g., Rapier, Bevy)
  • Exposure to 3D rendering for simulation visualization (e.g., WebGL, OpenGL, Three.js)
  • Contributions to aerospace open source or simulation frameworks (e.g., JSBSim, Gazebo)

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.
  • 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.
  • 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.