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Simulation Engineer Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

If you don't know us yet, we are an engineering and innovation company that works in different areas, one of them is defence and security where we work in cyber defence projects, simulation or space ...

Modeling and Simulation Support Lead Location : Fort Bragg (Fort Liberty), NC Clearance required : SECRET Responsibilities include (but are not limited to): * Direct and manage the Simulation Support ...

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Simulation Engineer information

See North Carolina salary details

$35.4K

$112.1K

$173.1K

How much do simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulation engineer in North Carolina is $112,146.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,600.00 and $133,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a simulation engineer?

A simulation engineer works on complex engineering projects to create simulations for testing the performance of proposed solutions. In this career, your job duties include developing simulation approaches for testing the project, monitoring the simulation in the test environment, and analyzing the results of the test. The qualifications needed for a career as a simulation engineer include a bachelor's degree in engineering. However, some employers prefer a master's degree. You also need strong analytical skills and experience working with experimental projects.

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

To thrive as a Simulation Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, mathematics, and computer science, typically supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency in simulation software such as MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS, or similar tools, along with knowledge of programming languages like Python or C++, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for accurately modeling complex systems, optimizing designs, and ensuring project success.

How does a simulation engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Simulation Engineers frequently work alongside design, testing, and manufacturing teams to ensure that virtual models accurately reflect real-world scenarios. They collaborate closely during the early stages to interpret project requirements and share simulation results to guide design decisions. Regular meetings and iterative feedback loops are common, helping to integrate simulation insights throughout the product development lifecycle. This collaborative environment not only enhances the quality of final products but also provides Simulation Engineers with exposure to diverse technical perspectives.

What is the difference between Simulation Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectSimulation EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related fields; proficiency in simulation softwareBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; CAD software skills
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, simulation centers, R&D departmentsDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, prototyping labs
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, electronics, manufacturingAutomotive, consumer products, machinery, aerospace
Common Search/ComparisonSimulation Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer

The main difference between a Simulation Engineer and a Mechanical Design Engineer lies in their focus areas. Simulation Engineers specialize in creating and analyzing virtual models to predict product performance, while Mechanical Design Engineers focus on designing and developing physical components and systems. Both roles often collaborate but serve distinct functions within engineering projects.

Are simulation engineers in demand?

Simulation engineers are in demand across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defense, as companies increasingly rely on simulation tools like MATLAB, Simulink, and ANSYS for product development and testing. The role requires strong technical skills, knowledge of modeling and analysis, and often a background in engineering or computer science. Job growth is driven by technological advancements and the need for cost-effective, efficient testing methods.

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

The most popular types of Simulation Engineer jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Simulation Engineer jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Simulation Engineer job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Simulation Engineer job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,146 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Nuclear Weapons Effects Modeling & Simulation Engineer/Scientist

ARA

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Nuclear Weapons Effects Modeling & Simulation Engineer/Scientist who will support our growing business in modeling and simulation of physical phenomena within a 3D geometric modeling environment that is linked to a geographic information system (GIS). We apply traditional physical modeling approaches as well as machine learning to solve critical problems. As a member of our diverse, multidisciplinary team, you will be responsible for developing engineering and physics-based methodologies, analytical algorithms, and software tools that strengthen our national security.
Our work focuses on modeling a diverse range of phenomena including air blast, ground shock, and structural response modeling. Our models span a wide range of fidelity, from fast-running physics-based models to high fidelity computational fluid dynamics, molecular dynamics, and finite element approaches. As an engineer on our team, your day-to-day work will consist of developing or integrating a wide variety of models into our modeling and simulation software and performing verification & validation on the models to ensure that they produce realistic results. As a research and development program, the nature of our work varies from month to month and year to year: You will be continuously challenged to learn and grow expertise in new areas.
The most successful candidates have a strong technical background in science or engineering and a desire to continue expanding their knowledge. Expertise (and desire!) in writing robust and performant software is also highly desirable. If this describes you, please apply! You will be required to work in the office 3 days a week in our Raleigh, NC office.
Required Experience & Skills:
  • Bachelors of Science in Science or Engineering with 5-7 years of experience or Masters of Science in Science or Engineering with 3-5 years of relevant experience or PhD in Science or Engineering with 0-2 years of experience.
  • A strong interest in and ability to develop modeling and simulation software in high level languages (e.g. C++, Python, Java, etc.)
  • A desire to work in a dynamic team environment.

Security Clearance Requirement:
  • The nature of work, interactions with intelligence community and DoD programs require eligibility to apply for and hold a US security clearance (selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment).

Preferred Experience and Skills:
Above all, we value passion, a continuous desire to learn, and teamwork. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set, that you will succeed in the role. In addition to the experience and skills above, if you have any of the following you will be able to accelerate your effectiveness and impact.
  • Masters of Science in Science or Engineering with 3-5 years of relevant experience.
  • PhD in Science or Engineering with 0-2 years of relevant experience.
  • Expertise in DoD modeling and simulation technology, structural dynamics, nuclear weapon effects, ground shock environments, geotechnical characterization, and/or probabilistic analysis
  • Familiarity with software design patterns, modern C++, and agile software development practices
  • Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written mediums with technical and non-technical audiences

Company & Division Information:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,223 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging and innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company's success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please apply at careers.ara.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.