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Simulator Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

As a Simulation Developer, you will serve as a trusted advisor to our customers, ensuring the technical architecture of wargames is robust and reliable while directly shaping the tools used to ...

As a Simulation Developer, you will serve as a trusted advisor to our customers, ensuring the technical architecture of wargames is robust and reliable while directly shaping the tools used to ...

As a Simulation Developer, you will serve as a trusted advisor to our customers, ensuring the technical architecture of wargames is robust and reliable while directly shaping the tools used to ...

Responsibilities The Modeling & Simulation Engineer will apply advanced analytical, modeling, and simulation skills to solve complex warfighting problems in support of the USMC Operations Analysis ...

Showing results 21-40

Simulator Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$25

$53

$76

How much do simulator engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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.

What job categories do people searching Simulator Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Simulator Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Simulator Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 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.

Simulation Developer

MANTECH

Quantico, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


ManTech rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 245 rated software companies


Job description

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented SIMULATION DEVELOPER to join our team in QUANTICO, VA.

Join a high-impact team supporting the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab's transition to digital wargaming. As a Simulation Developer, you will serve as a trusted advisor to our customers, ensuring the technical architecture of wargames is robust and reliable while directly shaping the tools used to prepare Marines for the future fight.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Designs, develops, and sustains simulation models and environments using a variety of programming languages, tools, and data sources

  • Integrates models and simulations into larger system architectures and supports Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) Wargaming Division efforts for interoperability testing and model orchestration

  • Collaborates with engineers, analysts, and operational subject matter experts to enhance model fidelity and ensure simulation accuracy

  • Implements new features, conducts model testing and validation, and troubleshoots issues across evolving simulation platforms

  • Leads and supports planning, coordination, and documentation activities for simulation projects, including data collection, stakeholder alignment, and capability tracking

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related technical field

  • Minimum of 2 years of software development experience focused on simulation or game-based environments.  A total of 12 years’ experience without a degree.

  • Experience in programming languages such as C++, C#, Python, or Java

  • Experience with simulation platforms or engines such as AFSIM, NGTS, OneSAF, Unity, Unreal Engine, Simio, or Arena

  • Familiarity with version control systems and collaborative software development workflows

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Understanding of modeling and simulation principles in military or operational contexts

  • Familiarity with mission engineering, wargaming, campaign analysis, or Naval Capabilities Integration Process (NCIP), and associated military systems/processes

  • Knowledge of 3D graphics, physics engines, and database management systems (e.g., SQL)

  • Experience applying Agile or Scrum development methodologies in simulation projects

  • Strong communication, analytical, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Clearance Requirements:

  • Must possess a current/active TS/SCI security clearance.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able and willing to perform occasional manual labor and warehouse duties, with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

  • Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

  • Frequently communicates with co-workers, management, and customers, which may involve delivering presentations. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations


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