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Simulator Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

APEX TK is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Modeling & Simulation Engineer to join our team supporting a critical government client. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge ...

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Simulator Engineer information

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$25

$53

$76

How much do simulator engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for simulator engineer in Virginia is $53.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.88 and $61.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a simulator engineer?

Simulator Engineers are professionals who design, develop, maintain, and optimize simulation systems used to replicate real-world processes or equipment. These simulations are commonly used for training, testing, and research across industries such as aviation, automotive, defense, and healthcare. Simulator Engineers work with both hardware and software components to ensure simulations are accurate, reliable, and meet specific requirements. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting, upgrading systems, and collaborating with subject matter experts to create realistic training environments.

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

To thrive as a Simulator Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Experience with simulation software (such as MATLAB/Simulink, Unity, or similar), programming languages (like C++ or Python), and knowledge of hardware integration are typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management abilities help you collaborate effectively and manage complex projects. These skills ensure accurate simulation development, smooth project execution, and the ability to meet client or organizational requirements.

What are some common challenges simulator engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing simulation systems?

Simulator Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy hardware and software, minimizing system downtime, and maintaining simulation accuracy. They must also rigorously test new components to meet industry standards and user requirements while collaborating closely with software developers, hardware engineers, and end users to address unforeseen issues. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are essential, as Simulator Engineers frequently need to troubleshoot and customize solutions for complex simulation environments.

What is the difference between Simulator Engineer vs Test Engineer?

AspectSimulator EngineerTest Engineer
Required credentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, specialized training in simulationBachelor's or higher in engineering, quality assurance, or related field
Work environmentDesigning, developing, and testing simulation systems in labs or officesConducting tests on products or systems in labs, manufacturing, or field settings
Employer & industry usageUsed mainly in aerospace, defense, automotive, and training sectorsCommon across manufacturing, software, aerospace, and automotive industries

Simulator Engineers focus on creating and refining simulation systems to mimic real-world scenarios, while Test Engineers primarily evaluate and validate products or systems through testing procedures. Both roles require technical expertise and often collaborate, but Simulator Engineers specialize in simulation development, whereas Test Engineers concentrate on quality assurance and performance validation.

Infographic showing various Simulator Engineer job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,595 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Software Engineer- Physical Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Fort Eustis, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 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.