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Simulation Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$142K - $235K/yr

Lead Simulation Engineer Department: Software Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: Denise Brown Compensation: $142,000 - $235,000 / year Description ...

The lead simulation engineer will be responsible for directing the technical work of the simulation team, including development of the simulation infrastructure, vehicle models, and integration of ...

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$142K - $235K/yr

The lead simulation engineer will be responsible for directing the technical work of the simulation team, including development of the simulation infrastructure, vehicle models, and integration of ...

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Simulation Lead information

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$39K

$123.4K

$190.5K

How much do simulation lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulation lead in the United States is $123,399.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,000.00 and $146,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Simulation Lead typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

A Simulation Lead works closely with cross-functional teams such as design, engineering, and testing to ensure simulation models align with project requirements. They often facilitate communication between technical experts and project managers, translating simulation results into actionable insights for decision-making. Regular meetings and integrated workflow tools are used to keep everyone updated and resolve challenges quickly. This collaborative approach helps ensure simulations accurately reflect real-world constraints and project goals.

What careers use simulation?

Simulation is used in various careers such as aerospace engineering, healthcare, military training, automotive design, and software development. Professionals in these fields utilize simulation tools and software to model real-world systems, improve processes, and enhance training effectiveness.

What is a clinical simulation lead job description?

A clinical simulation lead is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing simulation-based training programs for healthcare professionals. They coordinate simulation scenarios, oversee equipment and technology, and ensure training aligns with clinical standards and educational goals. Strong knowledge of medical procedures, simulation tools, and certification in healthcare education are often required.

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

To thrive as a Simulation Lead, you need expertise in simulation design, scenario development, and instructional methodologies, often supported by a degree in healthcare, education, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as Laerdal or CAE), audiovisual systems, and possibly certification as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) is highly valuable. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help foster teamwork and create effective learning environments. These skills ensure high-quality training experiences that improve learner competencies and patient outcomes.

What is a simulation lead?

A simulation lead is a professional responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and management of simulation models and scenarios, often in industries like aerospace, defense, or healthcare. They coordinate teams, ensure accuracy, and utilize tools such as simulation software to support training, testing, or analysis activities.

How much does a simulation manager make?

A simulation manager's salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles or those requiring specialized skills in simulation software and project management can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000.

What is the difference between Simulation Lead vs Simulation Engineer?

AspectSimulation LeadSimulation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, relevant certifications often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentLeads simulation projects, manages teams, coordinates with stakeholdersDevelops and runs simulations, analyzes data, supports project tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, automotive, defense, and manufacturing industriesCommonly found in similar industries, often as part of R&D teams

The main difference between a Simulation Lead and a Simulation Engineer lies in their responsibilities. The Simulation Lead oversees simulation projects, manages teams, and liaises with stakeholders, while the Simulation Engineer focuses on developing and executing simulations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are prevalent in high-tech industries, but the Lead holds a more managerial and coordination-focused position.

More about Simulation Lead jobs
Infographic showing various Simulation Lead job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,399 per year, or $59.3 per hour.
Manager, Simulation Engineering (R4870)

Manager, Simulation Engineering (R4870)

Shield AI

Dallas, TX

$160K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
As the VBAT Simulation Lead, you will be responsible for improving and scaling our simulation capabilities for the V-BAT and future aircraft. You will design, resource, manage, build and integrate tooling across our various engineering teams (e.g. Aerodynamics, GNC, Propulsion, etc.) to enable efficient and scalable simulation workflows. Your simulation solutions will be a key development tool for other engineers and also a critical gate in our release process. 
What you'll do:
  • Work with tech leads and stockholders to design,  track, and report simulation roadmaps and release plans.  
  • Align needs and priorities across many teams and disciplines 
  • Hire and manage a team of specialized simulation engineers across multiple locations. 
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, autonomy engineers, and aerodynamics engineers, to ensure the simulation accurately reflects real-world conditions 
  • Create and maintain processes and workflows to build confidence in simulation tooling to both internal and external customers.  
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in simulation technologies and drive best practices across the team 
  • Build and maintain documentation and dashboards to quickly provide data and status to leadership. 
Required qualifications:
  • BS in Computer Science or related engineering field with 8+ years of professional experience. 
  • 3+ years of experience leading engineering teams or projects. 
  • Passion for simulation and testing with the goal of ensuring safety and reliability at scale. 
  • A proven track record of working with multiple stakeholder groups and managing clear and successful roadmaps 
  • Strong foundation in C++ and software architecture  
  • Foundational knowledge of statistics and its application in software development, testing, and data analysis.  
  • Solid understanding of mathematics (especially linear algebra) and foundational physics, with the ability to interpret technical papers and algorithms effectively.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and/or containerized application development 
  • Familiarity with rigid body dynamics (e.g. Euler's equations, quaternions), aerodynamics, propulsion systems, etc.  
  • Experience with Python 3 and data science frameworks (e.g. NumPy, Pandas, Dagster)  
  • Experience with robotics concepts, including node-based architectures such as ROS or similar middleware frameworks. 
$160,000 - $240,000 a year
#LI-SM1
#LD

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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