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Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_HYBRID Description SAIC is seeking a Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer to support the ... Collaborate with senior analysts to design experiment architectures, vignettes, and sensitivity ...

SAIC

Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer to support the design ... senior analysts to design experiment architectures, vignettes, and sensitivity studies. • ...

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Senior Simulation Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$59K

$125.5K

$181.9K

How much do senior simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior simulation engineer in Virginia is $125,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,600.00 and $142,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior simulation engineer?

Senior Simulation Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and analyze complex simulations to model real-world systems and processes. They use advanced software tools and mathematical models to predict performance, identify potential issues, and optimize designs in fields such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and energy. Their work helps organizations make informed decisions and improve product reliability and efficiency. Senior Simulation Engineers often lead teams, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional groups to ensure the effective implementation of simulation solutions.

What are the typical collaboration points between a senior simulation engineer and other engineering teams?

As a Senior Simulation Engineer, you will frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams such as design, development, and testing to ensure simulation models accurately reflect real-world conditions. This often involves attending design reviews, sharing simulation results, and providing feedback to optimize product performance. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as your insights directly influence design decisions and help troubleshoot issues early in the development cycle. Regular meetings and shared documentation platforms are commonly used to keep everyone aligned and informed.

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

To thrive as a Senior Simulation Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, typically with a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Proficiency in simulation software such as MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS, or similar tools, along with experience in programming languages like Python or C++, is essential. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and interpreting complex data. These competencies ensure accurate modeling, effective project delivery, and innovation in designing and optimizing engineering systems.

What is the difference between Senior Simulation Engineer vs Simulation Engineer?

AspectSenior Simulation EngineerSimulation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, experience in simulation softwareBachelor's in Engineering or related field, basic simulation skills
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D departments, engineering firmsDevelopment teams, testing labs, manufacturing companies
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, electronics, manufacturingSimilar industries, often entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Simulation Engineer and a Simulation Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Senior roles typically require more advanced skills, leadership, and project oversight, whereas Simulation Engineers focus on executing simulation tasks under supervision. Both roles are vital in industries like automotive and aerospace, but senior positions involve strategic planning and mentorship.

What are the most commonly searched types of Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Senior Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Simulation Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Simulation Engineer job openings:

Senior Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Simulation Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,471 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Science Applications International Corporation

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 226 rated it services

Job description

SAIC is seeking a Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer to support the design, development, and execution of AFSIM-based simulation capabilities. This role combines hands-on C++ plugin and extension development with mission-level scenario modeling and analysis, delivering high-fidelity simulation tools that inform capability development, CONOPS evaluation, and system-of-systems performance assessments. The ideal candidate will partner closely with analysts and engineers to convert operational modeling requirements into robust, maintainable software features while also contributing directly to scenario development and quantitative analysis efforts.

Key Responsibilities
    Lead a development effort to integrate AFSIM with a cloud based C2 environment
    Develop, configure, and execute mission-level scenarios in AFSIM aligned with analytical objectives, including sensor, weapon, and platform models with detection logic, engagement behaviors, and environmental interactions. 
    Script scenario behaviors using AFSIM scripting languages (Lua, Python, or equivalent) to represent tactics, decision logic, and mission flows. 
    Translate analyst requirements into software features, ensuring correctness, performance, and maintainability. 
    Conduct scenario validation, ensuring correctness of entity behaviors, timelines, and interactions. 
    Perform quantitative analysis of simulation outputs, including MOEs/MOPs, timelines, attrition, sensor performance, and mission outcomes. 
    Support development of scenario documentation, assumptions, and analytical traceability. 
    Collaborate with senior analysts to design experiment architectures, vignettes, and sensitivity studies. 
    Maintain and update scenario libraries, model configurations, software documentation, API references, and integration guides for reuse across programs. 
    Support build system configuration, version control workflows, and continuous integration pipelines. 
    Ensure code quality through unit testing, peer reviews, and adherence to coding standards. 
    Support live/virtual simulation environments and distributed simulations over DIS/HLA. 
    Support customer simulation and training events as required. 

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Required Qualifications
    Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, engineering, physics, operations research, applied mathematics, or related field. 
    10+ years of experience with modeling and simulation, particularly at the mission level. 
    2+ years of experience leading an analysis or development team. 
    Experience with live/virtual simulation environments. 
    Experience with AFSIM, NGTS, MACE, or another operator-in-the-loop simulation tool. 
    Experience with distributed simulations over DIS/HLA. 
    Experience with Python, Bash, or other scripting languages. 
    Proficiency in Agile methodologies and tools including Jira and Confluence. 
    Ability to work with Git and collaborative development workflows.

Preferred Qualifications
    Docker/Kubernetes or other containerization tools. 
    AWS or other cloud services experience. 
    CI/CD integration experience. 
    C++ and AFSIM development experience. 
    Domain experience in Sensor Modeling, Link 16, or Command and Control Systems. 
    Experience supporting customer simulation and training events. 
    Experience with sensor modeling, detection theory, or engagement logic. 
    Exposure to DoD mission threads, CONOPS, or system-of-systems analysis. 
    Ability to communicate analytical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

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