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Simulation Developer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$121K - $151K/yr

Modeling and Simulation Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

KBR, Inc.

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$121K - $151K/yr

Modeling and Simulation Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

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All JobsSimulation Developer JobsSimulation Developer Jobs in Reston, VA

Simulation Developer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11.4K

$70.3K

$126.4K

How much do simulation developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulation developer in Reston, VA is $70,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,800.00 and $82,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Simulation Developer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Simulation Developer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Simulation Developer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Simulation Developer jobs in Reston, VA are:

Simulation Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Simulation Developer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,329 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Modeling & Simulation Engineer (Systems Engineer, Sr)

Redwire Space

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Redwire is an innovative space and defense technology company driving advanced capabilities across the aerospace sector. We are looking for a leader who can contribute to concept of operations development, mission solution design, and strategic analysis for spacecraft programs supporting National Security Space. This includes work spanning space domain awareness, space resiliency, mission autonomy, structures, sensors, and next‑generation space systems.
The Modeling amp; Simulation Engineer is responsible for developing, integrating, and maintaining high‑fidelity digital twins and simulation architectures that support the company’s modeling, mission‑analysis, and digital‑engineering ecosystems. This role blends physics‑based computation, systems‑engineering discipline, and software‑driven simulation development to ensure that digital twins, scenario models, and system‑level simulations are accurate, scalable, and aligned with mission and product objectives. You will design and validate simulation components, implement numerical and multi‑domain models, support virtual integration and V amp;V activities, and collaborate closely with systems engineers, software teams, mission analysts, and UI/UX partners to deliver coherent, data‑driven simulation capabilities across aerospace and defense applications.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and enhance simulation models supporting mission analysis, system design, and digital‑engineering workflows.
  • Design and maintain digital twins for spacecraft, vehicles, and mission systems, including data‑driven updates and configuration management.
  • Architect simulation frameworks including component models, interfaces, scenario generation, and system‑level integration.
  • Implement numerical and multi‑domain models using physics‑based computation and advanced simulation techniques.
  • Perform virtual integration and V amp;V for simulation components and end‑to‑end system behavior.
  • Evaluate system performance using defined metrics, technical performance measures, and simulation‑based criteria.
  • Collaborate across engineering disciplines to align simulation outputs with mission, product, and system‑design needs.
  • Communicate technical results through documentation, design artifacts, and presentations for reviews and proposals.
Ideal Experience
  • STEM foundation — Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related STEM field.
  • Modeling amp; simulation development — 1–5 years building physics‑based models or simulation engines.
  • Physics‑based computation — Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy/JAX), or C++ for numerical modeling and system dynamics.
  • Digital engineering amp; MBSE — Experience applying MBSE, SysML, or digital‑thread methodologies.
  • Simulation architecture — Ability to design and validate simulation architectures and system‑level integrations.
  • Digital twins amp; digital threads — Experience creating and evolving digital twins for mission systems.
  • Interface design amp; simulation — Ability to model and simulate system and subsystem interfaces.
  • Numerical methods — Knowledge of integration methods, control theory, estimation, orbital mechanics, or multi‑domain modeling.
  • Verification amp; validation — Experience with virtual integration and V amp;V of simulation components.
  • Performance evaluation — Ability to define and assess simulation‑based performance metrics.
  • Cross‑functional collaboration — Ability to work with systems, software, mission analysis, and UI/UX teams.
  • Technical communication — Skilled in presenting simulation results and design artifacts.
Desired Skills
  • High‑fidelity simulation tools — STK, GMAT, Orekit, Trick, Modelica, or similar frameworks.
  • Real‑time amp; HIL simulation — Experience with real‑time or hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments.
  • HPC amp; GPU‑accelerated workflows — Familiarity with CUDA, Vulkan compute, OpenCL, or HPC pipelines.
  • Graph‑based data modeling — Knowledge of metadata lineage and digital‑thread integration.
  • API integration — Experience integrating simulation engines with REST, gRPC, or GraphQL APIs.
  • Simulation visualization — Experience with Three.js, WebGL, React Three Fiber, or CesiumJS.
  • Aerospace amp; mission‑system experience — Background in aerospace, defense, or high‑integrity engineering.
  • MBSE tooling — Experience with Cameo, Teamwork Cloud, or similar tools.
  • Requirements management — Experience with Jama, DOORS, or comparable systems.
  • Systems engineering certifications — INCOSE ASEP/CSEP, OCSMP, or related credentials.
  • Travel readiness — Ability to travel 10–15% as required.
  • Security eligibility — U.S. Citizen; able to obtain and maintain DoD Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred).
Grow with us as we innovate the next generation capabilities for a new era of space exploration!  We offer a highly competitive benefits package along with a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, and Excellence.   
Don’t meet every single requirement above? No worries.  We want people who can grow, collaborate and build a stronger team.  We strive to build a diverse and inclusive culture, so if you’re excited about this job posting, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.   
Pay Rate
$85,000 - $150,000/year
How We Determine What We Pay (Compensation Philosophy)
Redwire determines pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data, for our locations throughout the US. We will evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index, in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company.
For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, we consider the external market rate, the amount we have budgeted internally, and internal equity within the company for the same position. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.
Redwire Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with MIS is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
All offers of employment at Redwire Space are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the Click Here

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