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Simulation Developer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

APEX TK is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Modeling & Simulation Engineer to join our team supporting a critical government client. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge ...

Senior Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Salary: Base + Equity Overview Sedaro is hiring a Senior Modeling & Simulation Engineer to build the high fidelity simulation software that powers our cutting-edge simulation platform and help ...

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Simulation Developer information

See Washington salary details

$12.5K

$76.6K

$137.6K

How much do simulation developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulation developer in Washington is $76,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,800.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Simulation Developer vs Simulation Engineer?

AspectSimulation DeveloperSimulation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, or related fields; programming skillsBachelor's or higher in Engineering, Computer Science; specialized simulation knowledge
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, R&D labs, tech companiesEngineering teams, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industries
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, gaming, simulation software companiesEngineering firms, aerospace, automotive, defense
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, skills, and career pathsJob responsibilities, industry applications, skills needed

Simulation Developers focus on creating and coding simulation software, often emphasizing programming and software design. Simulation Engineers apply simulation techniques to solve engineering problems, focusing on system analysis and testing. While both roles require technical skills and knowledge of simulation, Simulation Developers are more software-centric, whereas Simulation Engineers are more application-focused within engineering contexts.

What does a Simulation Developer do?

A Simulation Developer designs, builds, and tests computer-based models that mimic real-world processes or systems. They use programming languages and simulation software to create virtual environments for training, research, or analysis purposes. These professionals work in various industries, such as aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing, to help organizations understand complex scenarios and make informed decisions. Simulation Developers often collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure models are accurate and effective.

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

To thrive as a Simulation Developer, you need strong programming skills (such as C++, Python, or Java), a background in mathematics or engineering, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (like Unity, Unreal Engine, or MATLAB) and experience using modeling tools and version control systems are typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding simulation developers apart. These competencies are vital for building accurate, reliable simulations that meet user needs and support decision-making in various industries.

What are some typical challenges Simulation Developers face when working on complex projects?

Simulation Developers often encounter challenges such as balancing simulation accuracy with computational efficiency and managing large datasets. Collaborating closely with domain experts and software engineers is essential to ensure the simulation reflects real-world scenarios and integrates smoothly with other systems. Additionally, adapting to evolving project requirements and optimizing code for different hardware platforms can require creative problem-solving and continuous learning.
What job categories do people searching Simulation Developer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Simulation Developer jobs in Washington are:

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

APEX TK

Chantilly, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

APEX TK is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Modeling & Simulation Engineer to join our team supporting a critical government client. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects within the aerospace domain.
Responsibilities:
  • Define modeling requirements from user needs and system architecture and develop scripts to automate scenario modeling and performance analysis.
  • Perform advanced modeling related to orbital mechanics (orbit determination, orbital maneuvering, and spacecraft flight dynamics) and/or sensor phenomenology (optics/radar/RF)
  • Use and develop cutting-edge modeling and simulation tools and algorithms to help address some of the most challenging issues regarding Space Situational Awareness (SSA) for the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DOD)
  • Develop code / scripts to develop algorithms, perform analyses, and automate data processing to model space conflict scenarios for system evaluation and mission effectiveness
  • Work in a collaborative team environment studying and analyzing a wide variety of interesting and complex problems in the Space domain
  • Incorporate phenomenological modeling principles into relevant models and simulations.

Required Qualifications:
  • 2-10 years of relevant experience.
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM related field such as Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace, Computer Science, etc.
  • Active Top Secret/SCI w/ CI Poly Clearance
  • Experience performing space-related engineering analysis (collecting, organizing, analyzing data) using one or more of the following: C++, Python, R, SQL, PostgreSQL, Linux, MATLAB, VBA, or STK
  • Ability to communicate findings and recommendations to internal and external customers
  • Solid understanding of orbital mechanics and space systems.
  • Experience with phenomenological models, including a demonstrated ability to model relevant physical phenomena and validate those models.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in a STEM related field.
  • Experience with other simulation tools and programming languages.
  • Experience with non-cooperative target tracking.
  • Experience with collection & revisit modeling.
  • Knowledge of cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).