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Simulation Engineer Jobs in Fairfax, 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 ...

SAIC

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Remote

$120K - $160K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is looking for a Modeling and Simulations Engineer with NRO experience who's ready to help shape the next generation of national space capabilities. In this role, you won ...

SPA

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Bachelor's degree * 3+ years of experience conducting systems engineering, modeling and simulation, research, and analysis * Experience collating, cleaning, and leveraging broad and varied datasets ...

New

SPA

Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Group W provides wargaming, warfare modeling and simulation, software development, data analytics ... Group W is the developer and maintainer of the Synthetic Theater Operations Research Model (STORM ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSimulation Engineer JobsSimulation Engineer Jobs in Fairfax, VA

Simulation Engineer information

See Fairfax, VA salary details

$40.2K

$127.2K

$196.3K

How much do simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulation engineer in Fairfax, VA is $127,166.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,800.00 and $151,000.00 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.
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Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Simulation Engineer job openings in Fairfax, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,166 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Systems Planning and Analysis

Alexandria, VA

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

Group W provides wargaming, warfare modeling and simulation, software development, data analytics, and operations research/system analysis support to the national security mission. As a leader in the fields of campaign, mission, and wargaming analysis we embrace the cycle of research paradigm, continually seeking to improve the multi-method application of tools, data, methods, and techniques to generate credible and resilient insights to inform decisions on the Department's most challenging issues spanning CONOPs, acquisitions, force structures, tactics, and strategies. Group W is the developer and maintainer of the Synthetic Theater Operations Research Model (STORM), the authoritative M&S tool accepted by the Joint Analytic Community for analysis of theater-level, multi-domain, joint warfare. Similarly, we developed and manage the Standard Wargame Integration and Facilitation Tool (SWIFT) for OSW as an adaptable environment to support joint force combatants' wargaming requirements.

SPA has an immediate need for a Modeling and Simulation Engineer (STORM Developer/Analyst) to support the OSW client onsite out of Alexandria, VA.

Responsibilities

The Modeling and Simulation Engineer will employ knowledge of modeling/operations research techniques to inform a variety of Department of War (DoW) focused analyses and wargames using a range of software tools. The analyst will apply their skills to solve highly complex problems using statistical analysis, parametric and non-parametric analysis, computer modeling, simulation, and regression analysis. Will be responsible for developing and executing analytical models and methods that support warfighting analyses spanning the DoW analysis challenges including capability trades, systems trades, and force structure analyses. Will be responsible for developing and executing campaign-level representations in STORM and analyses of U.S., allied, and adversary forces executing warfighting concepts of operation. 

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Data Science, or other technically-related areas of study
  • 1+ year of experience in the analysis, development, and implementation of software, study planning, and execution
  • Strong desire to expand modeling, simulation, and analysis expertise
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Able to work full-time at the OSW client site (Arlington, VA - Mark Center, Pentagon)

Desired: 

  • Master's degree
  • Experience or familiarity with the Synthetic Theater Operations Research Model (STORM)
  • Experience working with Python, R, MySQL/DuckDB, C++
Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $100,000.00/Yr. - USD $130,000.00/Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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