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Vehicle Simulation Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

GNC Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$125K - $203K/yr

Develop, integrate, and maintain 6DOF GNC simulations for missile and flight vehicle applications in a real-time HWIL environment. * Implement simulation software for guidance, navigation, and ...

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Vehicle Simulation information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12.5K

$76.6K

$137.6K

How much do vehicle simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for vehicle simulation in Washington, DC is $76,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,800.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is vehicle simulation?

Vehicle simulation refers to the use of computer models and software to mimic the behavior, dynamics, and performance of vehicles in various scenarios. This technology allows engineers and designers to test and optimize vehicles without the need for physical prototypes, saving time and cost. Vehicle simulation can assess aspects such as safety, efficiency, and handling under different conditions, and is widely used in automotive, aerospace, and research industries. It plays a crucial role in the development of autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vehicle simulation engineer?

To thrive as a Vehicle Simulation Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, physics, and mathematics, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation software such as MATLAB/Simulink, CarSim, or ANSYS, and sometimes certification in these tools, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These competencies are essential to accurately model vehicle systems, validate designs, and collaborate across engineering teams to ensure vehicle performance and safety.

What are some common challenges faced in a vehicle simulation role, and how can I prepare for them?

Professionals in Vehicle Simulation often encounter challenges such as integrating complex real-world vehicle dynamics into virtual environments and ensuring simulation accuracy. You may also need to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, software developers, and test drivers, to refine simulation models. Staying updated with the latest simulation software and automotive technologies is crucial, as is strong problem-solving ability to address unexpected simulation discrepancies. Building a solid foundation in physics, programming, and communication skills can help you succeed in this dynamic and evolving field.

What is the difference between Vehicle Simulation vs Vehicle Testing Engineer?

AspectVehicle SimulationVehicle Testing Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Software Engineering; proficiency in simulation softwareBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive Engineering; experience with physical testing methods
Work EnvironmentPrimarily computer-based, using simulation software and modeling toolsLaboratories, test tracks, and vehicle testing facilities
Industry UsageUsed in automotive design, research, and development to predict vehicle behaviorInvolved in real-world testing to validate vehicle performance and safety
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Vehicle Simulation professionals focus on creating virtual models to predict vehicle behavior, while Vehicle Testing Engineers conduct physical tests to validate these models and ensure vehicle safety and performance. Both roles are essential in automotive development, often working together to optimize vehicle design and functionality.

What job categories do people searching Vehicle Simulation jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Vehicle Simulation jobs in Washington, DC are:

Electrical Engineer Level 3 - Simulation Hardware - Sterling

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Define requirements, select hardware, and oversee the assembly of Flatsat simulation systems.

  • Design, develop, and troubleshoot the Flatsat Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) Rack and Testbed, including electrical and mechanical components.

  • Interface with various engineering teams and support the full system design cycle from conception through testing and integration.


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: NoDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Embark on a career putting innovative, reliable, and Agile products and ideas into orbit, and beyond. Northrop Grumman has opportunities waiting for you that play a vital role in human space exploration, national defense, and scientific discovery, supporting multiple programs across the universe. With us, you'll discover a culture of curiosity and collaboration that will have you Defining Possible from the day you start. Our space systems connect and protect millions of people on earth every day, now and for the future. Explore your future and launch your career today.

We have an opening for an experienced l Electrical Engineer Level 3 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization. This position is located in Dulles, VA.

Northrop Grumman Tactical Space Systems is seeking a Top Secret cleared candidate for simulation hardware work on large commercial and non-commercial space programs. Studies in electrical engineering is expected with strong mechanical knowledge and abilities. Software knowledge in STOL scripting is a plus.

As part of the simulation hardware team, the candidate will work side-by-side with Flatsat Systems software engineering, developing Flatsat Systems. Development includes requirements definition, design, documentation, and overseeing the assembly of Flatsat simulation systems. The Flatsat System is comprised of a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) Rack, used to implement closed-loop simulation on Space Vehicle (SV) Testbed with integrated avionics flight computers. The HITL Rack provides power, TCR uplink/downlink functionality, and complete SV closed loop simulation for the Flatsat testbed with integrated avionics. The Flatsat Testbed contains harnessing that is electrically similar to the spacecraft harness connecting avionics units to the HITL Rack.

The engineer candidate will work with your team to define requirements based upon the program's needs, select hardware to simulate SV component data and control interfaces, define testbed harness connections to avionics units, the interfaces to simulate SV components, as well as test and integrate the completed Flatsat System with the avionics units before delivery. The candidate will be part of a small Flatsat Design Team consisting of both software and hardware engineers supporting a number of programs. The HITL racks provide power, TCR uplink/downlink functionality, and complete SV closed loop simulation for the Flatsat testbed with integrated avionics. engineers supporting a multitude of diverse space programs. The candidate is responsible for the electrical and mechanical design, to include parts lists or bills of material, fabrication documentation, and fabrication guidance of the HITL Rack and Testbed. Responsibilities include rack, panel, and cable design, electrical interconnects, wiring diagrams, and applicable schematics, developing certification procedures, and hardware checkout/troubleshooting. Troubleshooting will include root cause determination, problem resolution and documentation updates. In this role, the candidate will interface with spacecraft subsystem design engineers, flight software engineers, systems engineers, simulation software engineers, parts procurement, and assembly technicians, in order to provide support for various Flatsat simulation tasks as required. Position focuses on the full Flatsat System design cycle, from conception through design to fabrication and integration/test support.

Excellent troubleshooting skills for problem isolation and resolution are necessary for long term system and on-orbit anomaly support.

Prior work in an engineering organization and the ability to lead a simulation hardware development team is beneficial. Ability to debug simulation hardware and software for avionics integration and test environments using common lab equipment is preferred. Excellent writing, reading and speaking skills are expected as the candidate will be involved in the entire Flatsat system development, test and operations lifecycle and will interface with many program engineers from other disciplines. Familiarity with typical spacecraft avionics communication standards and basic electrical engineering practices is beneficial. Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) and proposals is essential as this position requires the ability to understand schedules and budgets and effectively report progress.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (ideally Electrical Engineering) with 5 years of experience; or Master's degree with 3 years.

  • Active TS clearance at time of application with SCI eligibility
  • Proficient with integrated (analog, power, digital) hardware design
  • Proficient in rack design, panel design, cable design, and schematic layouts.
  • Proficient with lab test equipment such as DMMs and O-Scopes with the ability to operate them for debug and troubleshooting.
  • Familiar with high-speed serial interface protocol (TCP/IP, SPACEWIRE, LVDS, RS422/485, 1553).
  • Proficient with electrical and/or mechanical design tools (e.g., Visio, CREO, Zuken).
  • Technical leadership experience.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal management oversight and act as the simulation hardware lead on varying programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to understand EVMS. Create and maintain schedules and budgets and effectively report progress and maintain both.
  • Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.
  • Self-motivated and able to effectively work in small teams.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Grounding and signal preservation techniques.
  • Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong analytical and diagnostic skills.
  • Experience with Agile and DevSecOps is preferred.
  • Familiarity with Earned Value Management and/or proposals.
  • Experience with scripting languages such as Python.
  • Experience with National Instruments data acquisition cards.

#SpaceEngJobs

#NoVASpace

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, 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. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939