Simulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This role focuses on developing and executing mission-specific and cross-portfolio modeling and simulation (M&S) capabilities that support space systems integration and modernization. The Modeling and Simulation Engineer designs, implements, verifies, and validates complex simulations that accurately represent space system dynamics, operations, and system-of-systems behavior. The position plays a key role in evaluating potential materiel solutions, informing technology and modernization decisions, and supporting enterprise-level requirements and documentation for space missions.

Responsibilities

• Support the Space Systems Integration Office (SSIO) by developing mission-specific and cross-portfolio modeling and simulation services, algorithms, and analyses that characterize likely scenario outcomes.
• Conduct requirements traceability from mission areas down to the implementation of representative M&S simulations that accurately model physical dynamics, operations, and overall system behavior.
• Model and simulate potential system-of-systems (SoS) and family-of-systems (FoS) materiel solutions and concepts in relevant scenarios to evaluate and recommend modernization changes.
• Develop models of materiel solutions that support determinations of system vulnerability, survivability, resilience, and performance, including performance improvements from enhancements and new technologies.
• Create and refine models that support utility trades, technology readiness assessments, and analyses informed by gathered intelligence.
• Establish Modeling, Simulation and Analysis (MS&A) verification and validation (V&V) procedures for existing MS&A tools and software upgrades.
• Conduct verification and validation of models used by the Space Systems Command (SSC) Space Systems Integration Office and support the maintenance of government models and tools such as AFSIM and SEAS, as directed.
• Assist with enterprise requirements development and the preparation and support of Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) documentation.
• Analyze technical derivatives of cross-cutting space requirements and assess how they affect simulation outcomes of implemented M&S artifacts.
• Recommend practical, mission-driven solutions that help meet performance, affordability, and sustainment goals for space systems and architectures.
• Develop, document, and present briefings, technical reports, and architectural roadmaps to stakeholders and decision makers.
• Collaborate with organizations such as SWAC, CSRO/S5R, and PEO offices to define and prioritize modeling and simulation activities for SATCOM, PNT, Missile Warning/Tracking, Tactical ISR, SBEM, BMC3, and Launch systems at SSC.

• Hands-on experience with space system modeling and simulation (M&S) in a military, contractor, or Department of Defense civilian capacity, including work as a SETA or systems engineering and integration (SE&I) support staff.
• Proficiency with simulation and modeling software and tools, including environments such as Simulink and MATLAB.
• Experience in algorithm development and implementation for modeling and simulation applications.
• Programming experience in C++ or similar languages used for simulation and modeling.
• Demonstrated experience in M&S of both individual systems and broader mission scenarios.
• Familiarity with the Department of Defense acquisition lifecycle and JCIDS processes.
• Background or experience in Space Systems Command (SSC) mission areas such as SATCOM, Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), Missile Warning/Tracking (MW/MT), Space Weather, C3BM, Space Superiority, ISR, and Ground/Network segments.
• Experience implementing space systems that support or are critical to the SSIO mission space, including SATCOM, PNT, Missile Warning/Tracking, TacISR, SBEM, BMC3, and Launch.
• Knowledge of statistical performance measurements and methods for system and scenario performance evaluation.
• Background in the development, implementation, and execution of stochastic modeling programs, including verification and validation (V&V).
• Experience in developing and executing validation and test procedures in a test engineering or V&V-focused environment.

• Experience working directly with or supporting Space Systems Command and U.S. Space Force initiatives.
• Familiarity with government modeling tools such as AFSIM and SEAS or similar simulation frameworks.
• Ability to translate complex technical requirements into clear modeling and simulation artifacts and documentation.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to prepare and deliver technical briefings, reports, and architectural roadmaps to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional and multi-organizational teams, including analytical centers and program executive offices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on mission effectiveness, affordability, and sustainment.

The role is based on an Air Force installation in support of Space Systems Command and U.S. Space Force space national security initiatives. The work takes place in a highly classified environment where candidates must be comfortable operating within secure facilities and following strict security protocols. The position involves close collaboration with government, military, and contractor personnel and requires regular interaction with advanced modeling and simulation tools, space system architectures, and mission planning activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of El Segundo, CA.

The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $105.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in El Segundo,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.