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Simulation Engineer Jobs in Virginia Beach, VA (NOW HIRING)

Required : • Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Operations Research ... Modeling & Simulation Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A) activities. • Strong ...

Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Operations Research, Physical Sciences ... Experience supporting Modeling & Simulation Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A ...

Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Operations Research, Physical Sciences ... Experience supporting Modeling & Simulation Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A ...

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Simulation Engineer information

See Virginia Beach, VA salary details

$37K

$117.1K

$180.8K

How much do simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulation engineer in Virginia Beach, VA is $117,109.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,300.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves leadership roles, bonuses, stock options, or working in high-demand industries with complex projects.

What do simulation engineers do?

Simulation engineers develop and run computer models to analyze the behavior of systems, products, or processes. They use specialized software and programming skills to create simulations that help optimize designs, predict performance, and identify potential issues before physical testing. Their work often involves understanding engineering principles, data analysis, and working in multidisciplinary teams.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in leadership or executive roles. High compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, particularly in competitive industries or companies.

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.

What are Simulation Engineers?

Simulation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement virtual models to mimic real-world processes, systems, or products. They use specialized software to analyze how these systems behave under various conditions, helping organizations optimize performance, identify potential issues, and reduce costs. Simulation Engineers often work in industries like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare to support decision-making and innovation through virtual testing. Their work is crucial for minimizing the risks and expenses associated with physical prototyping and experimentation.

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 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.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and systems engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. Roles in management or with significant project responsibilities can also reach or exceed this salary level.
What are the most commonly searched types of Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia Beach, VA? The most popular types of Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia Beach, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia Beach, VA? For Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia Beach, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia Beach, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia Beach, VA are:
What cities near Virginia Beach, VA are hiring for Simulation Engineer jobs? Cities near Virginia Beach, VA with the most Simulation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Simulation Engineer job openings in Virginia Beach, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,109 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

Software Engineer- Physical Modeling & Simulation Engineer

John H. Northrop & Associates

Fort Eustis, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Software Engineer/Architect- (Physical Modeling & Simulation Engineer)

Overview:

JHNA is seeking a Physical Modeling & Simulation Engineer to support our Aviation customer within the Mission Systems Division (MSD), Technology Development Directorate-Aviation - Systems Integration Division, located at Fort Eustis.

This position supports MSD's Engagements, Effects and Survivability Team, providing advanced analytical expertise to assess technologies supporting Aviation engagements, effects, survivability, mission effectiveness, and emerging capability gaps across current and future Army Aviation operational environments.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience applying AFSIM and related M&S tools to real-world military problems and works effectively at the intersection of operational analysis, technology development, and mission survivability.

Roles/Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Government in identifying and addressing existing and emerging capability gaps by evaluating new operational concepts, tactics, and techniques enabled by advanced aviation technologies.
  • Conduct operational task analysis and collaborate closely with Government engineers, analysts, and technology developers to: Analyze required capabilities, allocate technologies to mission capabilities, Identify technology shortfalls, Support development of technical requirements.
  • Support development, integration, and execution of modeling and simulation environments for manned–unmanned teaming, survivability, and mission effectiveness analysis.
  • Assist in scenario design, scripting, and test vignette development to exercise advanced autonomy, teaming behaviors, and threat interactions.
  • Provide engineering support for software integration testing and model verification within live, virtual, and constructive simulation frameworks.
  • Conduct mission-level survivability and effectiveness assessments using government-approved M&S tools to evaluate advanced threats and countermeasures.
  • Support post-simulation data analysis and report generation documenting findings, limitations, and recommendations.
  • Assist with risk assessments and substantiation documentation supporting test readiness and simulation credibility.
  • Plan and execute Modeling & Simulation (M&S) studies and other analytical efforts in support of survivability and mission effectiveness assessments.
  • Support model credibility, verification, validation, and configuration control activities by preparing and presenting technical artifacts to Validity Control Boards (VCBs), documenting model assumptions and limitations, and implementing VCB-approved changes to AFSIM and other Government-directed modeling and simulation tools.
  • Perform M&S and analytical evaluations, analyze resulting data, and author clear, concise reports communicating findings to Government users, warfighters, and technology developers.
  • Conduct survivability and mission effectiveness analysis using Government-provided software tools, including but not limited to:
  • AFSIM
  • MACE
  • ATCOM
  • SAINT
  • ECHO
  • DREAM
  • BlueMax
  • HIVE
  • VBMS
  • Other Government-directed M&S tools
  • Develop and maintain high-fidelity, large-area terrain databases to support M&S tools and survivability analyses.
  • Architect, manage, and administer M&S files, models, and datasets to enable secure storage, rapid retrieval, and reuse on both classified and unclassified Government systems.
  • Conduct optimization analyses to evaluate parameters of interest (e.g., probability of detection, survivability metrics, mission success), including identifying minimum or maximum values of defined objective functions.
  • Maintain familiarity with current and emerging capability development documents, operational needs statements, and related Army Aviation requirements.
  • Support the Government in coordinating and communicating analytical results with external stakeholders, including technology developers, operational users, and transition partners.

Required Qualifications:

  • Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen with an Active DoD Secret Clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Operations Research, or a related technical discipline.
  • Skilled in C-Sharp, C++ and related coding software
  • Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or government analytical efforts (or equivalent experience aligned to a Software Engineer III/IV labor category).
  • Demonstrated experience conducting Modeling & Simulation–based analysis, with strong emphasis on AFSIM.
  • Experience supporting mission effectiveness and survivability analysis in a military or defense context.
  • Ability to independently plan and execute analytical studies and clearly communicate technical results in written and verbal formats.
  • Familiarity with working in classified and unclassified DoD environments.

JHNA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.