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Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electra Aero, Inc.

Simulation Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

Simulation Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid ... This is an early-career role with real ownership - you'll work directly with senior engineers to ...

Inversion

Simulation Engineer I, Arc Vehicle

Vista, CA · On-site

$71K - $124K/yr

Working under the guidance of senior simulation engineers, you will build tools and workflows that enable fast, repeatable verification of flight software and hardware under realistic flight ...

Electra

Simulation Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

Simulation Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid ... This is an early-career role with real ownership - you'll work directly with senior engineers to ...

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Senior Simulation Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior simulation engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior simulation engineers in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-end software development can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, reflecting the high level of expertise required in these fields.

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 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 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 average salary for a simulation engineer?

The average salary for a simulation engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior simulation engineers with specialized skills in modeling software and programming can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000.

What are Senior Simulation Engineers?

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior simulation engineers, especially those with advanced expertise in modeling, high-level security clearances, or working in specialized industries like aerospace or defense, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Compensation often depends on experience, location, certifications, and the complexity of projects handled.

Is 47 too old to become an engineer?

Age is not a barrier to becoming a senior simulation engineer or any engineering role. Many engineers successfully start or transition into the field later in life, leveraging experience, continuous learning, and relevant skills such as programming, modeling, and simulation tools. Employers value diverse backgrounds and skills regardless of age, and ongoing education or certifications can support career advancement at any age.
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Senior Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Simulation Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 38% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Senior Simulation Engineer with Security Clearance

Senior Simulation Engineer with Security Clearance

Data Machines

Reston, VA • On-site

$108K - $149K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Senior Simulation Engineer
Job# 1170-S
Location: Reston, VA
Clearance Requirement: Secret
Job Description and Responsibilities:
Data Machines seeks a seasoned Simulation Engineer with the desire to work with our team supporting the development and production of cutting-edge defense and intelligence simulation capabilities. The ideal candidate will use operations research and software development skills to encode custom agent behaviors and interfaces for, and apply Artificial Intelligence and Machines Learning to, discrete event simulations, creating interfaces between the simulation and external software, and use statistical routines to conduct post-processing of simulation-generated data and provide insights in machine-readable and human-readable formats.
Candidates should have strong problem-solving skills, software development experience, and an excitement for cutting-edge defense and intelligence capabilities.
Successful candidates will be passionate about new ideas and enjoy the ownership of implementation, and eagerly support and contribute to the implementation of their teammates' ideas.  
Come join us as we work to solve some of the industry's biggest challenges. Data Machines fosters a culture of professional growth and development in a collaborative, open environment.
Multiple positions may be filled through this opening
Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Operations Research or other closely related quantitative or mathematical discipline • Industry experience encoding the scientific principles of military and defense operations • 4+ years of experience each with C++ and Python • 4+ years experience with one of the following: AFSIM, NGTS, OneSAF, GCAM, Command PE, STORM • Active Secret clearance
Preferred Qualifications: • Master’s degree in Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Operations Research or other closely related quantitative or mathematical discipline • Experience developing plugins for AFSIM • Experience with additional defense simulation frameworks • Experience with distributed simulations • TS clearance with SCI eligibility

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