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Simulation Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Adjust simulation inputs as required to align output with actual and/or expected results in a real-world environment. * * Present analysis of simulation output to include insights, conclusions, and ...

Adjust simulation inputs as required to align output with actual and/or expected results in a real-world environment. * Present analysis of simulation output to include insights, conclusions, and ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description  SAIC is seeking an experienced Modeling and Simulation Engineer to support a customer in Chantilly, VA. The successful applicant will demonstrate flexibility in task ...

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Simulation information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$67K

$120.5K

How much do simulation jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulation in Virginia is $67,021.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $78,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Simulation Specialist, you typically need a background in engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Expertise in simulation software such as MATLAB, Simulink, or ANSYS, and familiarity with programming languages like Python or C++, are commonly required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and conveying complex results. These skills and qualifications are crucial for building accurate models, troubleshooting issues, and delivering reliable simulations that inform decision-making.

What are some common challenges faced by simulation professionals when working on complex projects?

Simulation professionals often encounter challenges such as integrating diverse data sources, ensuring model accuracy, and effectively communicating technical results to non-technical stakeholders. Working on complex projects usually involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, managing tight deadlines, and adapting models as project requirements evolve. Developing strong problem-solving skills and maintaining clear communication with team members and clients are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering successful simulation outcomes.

What is a simulation specialist?

A simulation specialist is a professional who designs, develops, and manages simulated environments for training, research, or analysis purposes. They often work in industries such as healthcare, aviation, engineering, or the military to create realistic scenarios that help people practice skills or test systems without real-world risks. Simulation specialists use advanced technology and software to create these interactive models, ensuring they accurately replicate real-life situations.

What is the difference between Simulation vs CAD Designer?

AspectSimulationCAD Designer
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, certifications in simulation softwareEngineering or design degrees, CAD software certifications
Work EnvironmentEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospaceDesign studios, manufacturing, product development
Industry UsageTesting and analyzing product performanceCreating detailed product models and drawings

Simulation specialists focus on testing and analyzing how products perform under various conditions using simulation software. CAD Designers create detailed 3D models and drawings for manufacturing and design purposes. While both roles require engineering knowledge and software skills, Simulation emphasizes analysis and testing, whereas CAD Design centers on creating precise models for production.

What are the most commonly searched types of Simulation jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Simulation jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Simulation jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Simulation job openings:
Infographic showing various Simulation job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 88% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $67,021 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Senior Modeling & Simulation Engineer

ThinkTek

Quantico, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Senior Modeling & Simulation Engineer
Who We Are: ThinkTek LLC is a fast-growing Certified SBA 8(a) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) company. We specialize in providing management and technology consulting services to support the business and technology modernization efforts of the Federal Government. ThinkTek was formed with the specific purpose of providing its clients with a tailored solution around Program & Project Management, Strategic Planning, Systems Engineering, and IT Operations.
Position Description: ThinkTek is seeking a highly motivated Senior Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Engineer to provide technical expertise in the development, integration, and analysis of modeling and simulation solutions that support program decision-making and mission outcomes. The role focuses on designing, implementing, validating, and analyzing models and simulations to evaluate system performance, operational concepts, and technical alternatives across complex operational environments.
Key Responsibilities:
M&S Framework Architecture and Integration
  • Provide Modeling & Simulation (M&S) architecture expertise across multi-domain simulation environments (air, ground, maritime, cyber, and space).
  • Design and lead development of the primary M&S framework to ensure scalability, interoperability, and alignment with program requirements.
  • Oversee integration of COTS, GOTS, and custom-built simulation tools using standards such as High-Level Architecture (HLA), Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), and/or custom APIs.

Scenario Development and Operational Environment Representation
  • Lead development of complex, data-driven simulation scenarios.
  • Model friendly and adversary Operational Plans (OPLANs), force structures, and mission threads.
  • Oversee the configuration of dynamic environmental conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, electromagnetic spectrum) to support realistic operational environments.

Analytical Baseline and Requirements Definition
  • Conduct analysis to define the analytical baseline, including measures of effectiveness, measures of performance, and key data collection requirements.
  • Translate program objectives into simulation data needs and evaluation criteria.
  • Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A)
  • Establish and manage a rigorous VV&A process for all models and simulation components.
  • Ensure simulation outputs are accurate, credible, and compliant with program requirements and standards.

Agile Development and Technical Leadership
  • Manage the M&S development backlog, sprint planning, and iterative delivery cycles.
  • Provide technical leadership to cross-functional teams including software engineers, data scientists, and M&S engineers.
  • Data Integration and Analytics Support
  • Collaborate with technical teams to structure simulation output data (e.g., entity states, events, logs) for efficient ingestion into analytics pipelines.
  • Ensure data formats and architectures support advanced analysis and decision-making.

Training and Operational Support
  • Develop training materials for wargame participants, adjudicators, and support staff.
  • Lead training sessions to ensure users understand simulation capabilities, limitations, and interfaces prior to execution.

Documentation and Reporting
  • Document all:
  • Analytical methodologies and baseline development
  • Scenario design and operational environment configurations
  • VV&A processes and outcomes
  • Test planning and evaluation activities
  • Simulation results and findings
  • Provide clear reports, briefings, and recommendations to program leadership and stakeholders.

Required:
Skills & Competencies:
  • Strong expertise in Modeling & Simulation (M&S) frameworks, distributed simulation architectures, and multi-domain environments.
  • Proficiency in simulation integration standards such as HLA, DIS, and API-based architectures.
  • Experience designing and executing complex, data-driven simulation scenarios and operational models.
  • Experience with VV&A processes and ensuring analytical credibility of simulation systems.
  • Familiarity with Agile development practices, including backlog management, sprint planning, and code reviews.
  • Ability to collaborate across software engineering, data science, and systems engineering teams.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.

Clearance:
  • Minimum Active Secret Clearance with the ability to get a Top Secret

Education & Experience:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree (in Engineering, Computer Science, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, or related technical discipline). Master's degree preferred.
  • Experience: 8+ years of experience in Modeling & Simulation (M&S), systems engineering, or related technical field.

Desired:
  • Experience supporting DoD or Federal Government simulation or wargaming programs.
  • Familiarity with operational analysis, campaign analysis, or wargaming methodologies.
  • Experience integrating simulation outputs with data analytics or machine learning pipelines.
  • Knowledge of cloud-based simulation environments and distributed computing architectures.
  • Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and practices.
  • Experience with large-scale, multi-domain simulation exercises or experimentation environments.

ThinkTek LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. ThinkTek offers medical, dental, and vision insurance to all full-time employees; PTO and a variety of other paid leave options are also available. You can read more about ThinkTek benefits at .