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Simulation Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The software engineer will be responsible for the full-product lifecycle of the simulation tools from design/coding/testing to bug fixing and critical new technology integrations. The candidate ...

As a software engineer on this team, you will design, develop, and test simulations of our custom hardware systems. You will be working at the cutting edge of hardware innovation, ensuring that our ...

Description SAIC's Horizon program is seeking you, our latest Modeling and Simulation Software Engineer , to support the U.S. Space Force's mission of delivering warfighter capability via the Space ...

As a software engineer on this team, you will design, develop, and test simulations of our custom hardware systems. You will be working at the cutting edge of hardware innovation, ensuring that our ...

As a Staff Simulation Software Engineer , you will design and deliver the foundational low-level software that makes this possible - working at the intersection of hypervisor technology, hardware ...

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Simulation Software Engineer information

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$74K

$137.8K

$197K

How much do simulation software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulation software engineer in the United States is $137,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $162,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Simulation Software Engineer do?

A Simulation Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software that models real-world systems, allowing for testing and analysis without physical prototypes. They work with mathematical models, algorithms, and programming languages to create accurate simulations for industries like aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and finance. Their responsibilities may include optimizing performance, integrating with hardware, and validating results to ensure accuracy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Simulation Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Simulation Software Engineer, you need strong skills in computer science, mathematics, and physics, often backed by a degree in engineering or a related field. Experience with simulation frameworks (like MATLAB, Simulink, or ANSYS), programming languages (such as C++, Python), and relevant certifications such as Certified Modeling and Simulation Professional (CMSP) are commonly sought. Effective problem-solving, attention to detail, and clear communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies enable the accurate development of complex simulations, efficient collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and effective translation of real-world processes into reliable software models.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Simulation Software Engineer?

As a Simulation Software Engineer, your daily tasks often include designing and implementing simulation models, writing and testing code, and analyzing simulation results to ensure accuracy and reliability. You may collaborate closely with engineers, domain experts, and project managers to define system requirements and troubleshoot technical issues. Additionally, you will frequently document your work, present findings to stakeholders, and iteratively improve models based on feedback and evolving project needs. The role offers a dynamic blend of independent technical work and team collaboration to solve real-world engineering challenges.
What cities are hiring for Simulation Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Simulation Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Simulation Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Simulation Software Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Simulation Software Engineer jobs? The top employers for Simulation Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Simulation Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Simulation Software Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Simulation Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $137,846 per year, or $66.3 per hour.
Modeling & Simulation Software Engineer

Modeling & Simulation Software Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Chantilly, VA

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Vehicle Engineering & Integration Department (VEID) is part of VSD, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within the Aerospace Corporation. The Vehicle Modeling and Analysis Section within VEID is responsible for implementing multi-disciplinary analytical models and developing software tools required to execute the desired analyses with respect to satellite, ground, and launch vehicle development and operations. We are seeking a Modeling & Simulation Software Engineer (Engineering Specialist - Modeling & Simulation and Systems Software Engineering) who has outstanding technical and programming skills, an understanding of physics/physical hardware systems, is inquisitive and motivated to learn, and has uncompromising integrity and objectivity.

Work Model

This is a full-time position on-site position based in Chantilly, VA with some consideration given to the El Segundo, CA, location for strong candidates.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Develop advanced, high-performance, production-quality modeling and simulation (M&S) software to help support challenging problems posed by Aerospace's customers

  • Develop and modify algorithms to enhance simulation capabilities to support studies for future satellite systems and architectures and interface with flight and flight-like satellite hardware, software, and system emulators to enable modular spacecraft HIL/SIL testing

  • Port scientific, engineering, and physics-based modeling code, calculations, and algorithms from technical documents, Matlab, Python, and Excel to Java based software and interface legacy C, C++, and Fortran codes together into tool chains or distributed simulation frameworks

  • Maintain and enhance Java-based distributed simulation frameworks with multi-threaded architectures and develop new distributed simulation federates, pre- and post-simulation data processing, and visualization tools

  • Support and/or perform analysis using software developed within VMAS to answer questions about future satellite systems and architectures

  • Participate and collaborate with other developers in full software development life cycle activities including design, implementation, and maintenance activities and assist in the creation of technical documentation and user guides

  • Participate in cross-disciplinary teams to solve complex and challenging problems and may need to help guide, advise, instruct, and mentor staff with expertise in non-software fields and little to no software engineering background

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited program in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other engineering discipline

  • 6 years of experience in a software engineering role

  • Experience in Java with Object-Oriented design and development skill and knowledge of multi-threaded, multi-processor networked and distributed systems and architectures

  • Experience with Hardware-Software interfaces, embedded software / embedded system development, and/or robotic systems

  • Experience developing physics-based vehicle or sub-system level simulations including component simulation/emulation as well as physics, dynamics, orbital mechanics simulation.

  • Basic knowledge of space systems including spacecraft subsystems and interactions (GN&C, CDH/flight computer, power systems, comms, payloads, etc.)

  • Knowledge of, or willingness to learn Python, C, C++, FORTRAN, and/or Matlab to extract or port critical code, as well as JSON and XML files often used for data exchange and API definitions

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Dual degree or major and minor in mechanical, aerospace, physics or related field and a software or computer engineering field

  • Strong knowledge of military or space systems such as sensors and payloads, guidance navigation and control (GNC), communications systems, or orbital mechanics.

  • Experience with NI or other automated hardware-in-the-loop test equipment such as PXIs, DAQs, ATEs, etc.

  • Experience working with flight hardware, flight software, or equivalent from other industries

  • Knowledge of HLA, DIS, TENA, or other distributed simulation frameworks, and communications frameworks such as ActiveMQ, DDS, and Kafka.

  • Experience with graphics and presentation API's such as Dash, Worldwind, Cesium, OpenGL.

  • Strong background in Python, C, C++, Swing, AWT, or JavaFX

  • Active TS/SCI security clearance w/CI Poly

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$117,300.00 - $175,900.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.