Principal Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what's happening now and shape what's coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters-where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Citizen. This position requires an active U.S. Government security clearance, applicants who do not currently hold the required clearance will not be eligible for consideration. Employment for cleared roles is contingent upon verification of clearance status. Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Please review the job details below.

Vantor is seeking a Principal Aerospace Modeling & Simulation Engineer to support advanced ISR studies for government and commercial customers. In this role, you will provide strategic and technical leadership across the Vantor Aerospace Modeling & Simulation (M&S) organization. You will serve as the primary intermediary between customers, program leadership, and modeling teams, translating mission needs and customer objectives into executable technical strategies, program roadmaps, and prioritized action plans.

• Define the technical vision, modeling strategy, and execution approach for M&S programs.


• Partner with customers and program leadership to clarify mission needs, shape technical solutions, and translate requirements into prioritized work plans.


• Maintain overall technical quality across the M&S team, including the integrity of models, scenarios, assumptions, methods, results, and conclusions.


• Establish and enforce common modeling approaches, technical review standards, verification and validation practices, and documentation expectations.


• Standardize simulation workflows and promote reusable models, scenarios, data products, tools, and analysis components across programs.


• Improve team efficiency through automation, reduced manual analyst effort, better tool integration, and effective use of high-performance, cloud, and distributed computing environments.


• Guide technical work allocation and prioritization based on customer needs, program risk, available resources, and strategic objectives.


• Identify cross-project technical risks, process weaknesses, capability gaps, and opportunities for improvement.


• Mentor and develop analysts through coaching, technical reviews, training, and knowledge sharing.


• Develop recommendations and roadmaps for future investments in M&S tools, infrastructure, methods, data, and workforce capabilities.


• Represent the M&S organization in customer engagements, technical reviews, proposals, and strategic planning activities.

Note: US citizenship and an active TS/SCI clearance are mandatory for this position and required for consideration.

• US Citizenship Required with an active or current TS/SCI clearance.


• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science.


• 15 years of relevant experience.


• Willing to work on-site.

• An advanced degree in Engineering or a related field.


• Working knowledge of the theory and applications of astrodynamics, remote sensing, spacecraft design, aerospace systems operations, or complex systems integration is desired.


• Experience with the design, development and software implementation of complex mathematical algorithms.


• Ability to develop standalone engineering tools/scripts via Python and/or Excel.


• Ability to identify, analyze, resolve technical risks and issues, develop technical reports, and collaborate with government and other stakeholders to implement recommended solutions.


• Ability to communicate and establish collaborative relationships with both clients and teammates to achieve program goals.


• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.


• Highly motivated and dynamic work ethic with a strong desire to contribute to the mission.

To support pay transparency, Vantor includes salary ranges in all U.S. job postings. Starting pay for this role will fall within the listed range and will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, location, and market conditions. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role should not expect to receive compensation at the top of the range. The listed range reflects the expected pay for this position, and final offers will be determined based on each candidate’s experience, expertise, and alignment with the role.

Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life. You can find more information on our benefits at: https://www.Vantor.com/careers

Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what's happening now and shape what's coming next. Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities in compliance with federal and state laws. If you need assistance with the online application or hiring process, please email careers@vantor.com.

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