ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Simulation Engineer Jobs in Fairfax, VA (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$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 ...

SAIC

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

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't just ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 24, 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.
More about Simulation Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Simulation Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA?

The most popular types of Simulation Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Simulation Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA?

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

What job categories do people searching Simulation Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Simulation Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA are:

What cities near Fairfax, VA are hiring for Simulation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Fairfax, VA with the most Simulation Engineer job openings:

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.

ISR Principal Modeling/Simulation Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 225 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2615796
Location: Chantilly, VA, US
Date Posted: 2026-08-18
Category: Engineering and Sciences
Subcategory: Modeling/Sim Engr
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes - 10% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
The qualified applicant will provide local support to the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Multi-Domain Sensing Program (MDSP), Space-based Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISRT) Division with expertise in ISR systems/processes and modeling and simulation (M&S). Efforts include (but not limited to): Developing space-based ISR models, executing space-based ISR models, analyzing and assessing modeling and simulation results from analysis partners across all classification levels.
This position requires significant technical understanding of space-based ISR as well as significant experience with M&S. Experience and understanding of airborne ISR capabilities is also desired. The candidate must be able to: articulate what remote sensing is needed from tactical to strategic levels, where it needs to go and how fast it needs to get there; employ and develop modeling, simulation, and analysis tools; analyze modeling and simulation results; coordinate internal and external modeling and simulation efforts and provide recommendations on potential improvements to concepts and architectures.
Duties and Responsibilties:
  • Develop target (missile) simulations and corresponding trajectory and behavior files using industry standard M&S tools such as the Advanced Framework for Simulation Integration and Modeling (AFSIM) ** Primary
  • Develop modeling and simulation analysis and assessment scripts using government network supportable tools such as Visual Basic, Python, and/or Matlab. **Primary
  • Develop space-based missile warning access and performance models using industry standard M&S tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK) or Satellite Orbit Analysis Program (SOAP) and integrate SWAC space-based ISR capability area force designs with modeling and simulation expertise. **SecondarySupport
  • Assist in force design analysis planning, analysis execution coordination, and analysis results evaluation
  • Recommend and document force design dependencies and opportunities (joint, intelligence community, industry, international and other government organizations)
  • Assist with modeling inputs and simulation development for external M&S efforts
  • Collaborate in cross-functional planning, coordination and task execution involving the full spectrum of systems engineering and integration activities for a force design effort
  • Coordinate efforts internally and externally with multiple agencies/organizations

Qualifications
?Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.
  • Demonstrated experience developing complex space system models and simulations with industry standard tools such as STK, SOAP, AFSIM, and/or NGTS
  • Demonstrated experience developing simulation scripts and interface code using government supportable software languages such as VB, Python, and/or Matlab
  • Technical understanding of Space-based ISR systems across joint, intelligence community, industry, international and/or other government organizations
  • 5+ years of space system modeling and simulation experience including analyzing modeling and simulation results
  • In depth understanding of space-based ISR systems and operations
  • Demonstrated problem solving/critical thinking in complex and dynamic organizational environments
  • Ability to actively participate in a team environment, working collaboratively as well as independently
  • Ability to solely execute and direct tasks including coordinating with multiple organizations/agencies and present leadership with viable options for future architectures
  • Have a background of applying analytical problem solving at the tactical, operational and strategic levels of war across multiple DoD organizations
  • Ability to apply a variety of analysis techniques to identify operational shortfalls of U.S. space capabilities and concepts and make recommendations for future architectures
  • Ability to develop and present leadership decision quality briefings and papers
  • Knowledge of how to work in a classified and compartmented working environment is required

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply