Position Overview:The Principal Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for designing, developing, and delivering advanced modeling and simulation solutions across multi-domain mission environments. The role requires deep subject-matter expertise in AFSIM, mission engineering, system architecture analysis, and operational modeling for space, air, and integrated defense systems. The Principal Engineer applies advanced principles, theories, and concepts to architect analytic environments, guide technical teams, and ensure high-fidelity results aligned with customer objectives.
This position leads complex programs, mentors technical staff, interfaces with senior government stakeholders, and independently executes work with substantial autonomy. The role combines advanced M&S technical leadership with operational program management and team oversight.
The ideal candidate is a systems engineer and analyst with hands-on experience designing, developing, and building and integrating MS&A models to support lifecycle planning, predictive analytics, and mission validation using state-of-the-art simulation environments.
Roles and Responsibilities:Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Technical Leadership & Advanced M&S Execution
- Lead medium-to-large-scale AFSIM mission modeling efforts for United States Air Force (USAF) and Department of War (DoW) customers.
- Architect high-fidelity simulation environments capturing multi-domain interactions including C5ISRT, long-range kill chains, collaborative autonomy, integrated air defenses, and space mission resiliency.
- Design and execute modeling of space-based kinetic and non-kinetic conflict scenarios; define modeling fidelity, scope, methodology, and data sourcing.
- Lead operational modeling projects, ensuring consistent methods, validated models, and quality deliverables across multiple study teams.
- Build 3D models, interactive environments, and visualization products to support mission planning, CONOPS development, and senior-level decision briefings.
- Develop and refine system and system-of-systems architectures using advanced simulation to inform resiliency, survivability, and performance trade studies.
- Conduct mission-level, engagement-level, and system-level analysis using AFSIM, government tools, and commercial platforms.
Customer Engagement & Program Representation
- Independently interface with senior government representatives to refine tasking, present results, define modeling requirements, and provide technical recommendations.
- Attend summits, conferences, and cross-agency meetings to communicate technical findings and maintain awareness of emerging USAF and DoW modeling needs.
- Ensure task-level products align with overall program strategy, customer timelines, and required analytic rigor.
Team Leadership & Workforce Development
- Serve as tasking lead and technical mentor for modeling teams of 2-3 engineers per study; coordinate efforts across CONOPS, MBSE, architecture, and M&S teams.
- Manage day-to-day work assignments for project leads; balance workload and tasking across multi-project environments.
- Ability to supervise teams of 10+ direct reports and multiple sub-teams, providing performance feedback, career growth guidance, and professional development.
- Act as hiring manager for M&S teams, driving talent strategy, interviews, selection, onboarding, and long-term workforce planning.
- Provide training, career guidance, and cross-functional development opportunities for M&S personnel and technical contributors.
- Lead enterprise workforce development initiatives including AFLCMC/EB, OUSW R&E and DoW.
Cross-Domain Modeling & Specialized Capabilities
- Create detailed 3D facility models and interactive simulation environments for mission planning, training, and contingency response.
- Conduct facility risk analysis, infrastructure assessments, and force-on-force modeling using government and commercial simulation tools.
- Automate simulation workflows using scripting languages (C#, Python, JavaScript, MATLAB) to improve analytical efficiency.
Required Skills:- Expert proficiency with AFSIM and advanced mission-level modeling of multi-domain systems.
- Strong expertise creating and validating models and simulations across space, air, and integrated defense environments.
- Ability to break complex operational problems into structured analytic components, prioritize tasks, and assign technical resources appropriately.
- Recognized subject-matter expertise in C5ISRT, system architecture definition, and mission engineering.
- Ability to anticipate technical risks, propose mitigation strategies, and maintain analytic integrity across diverse M&S frameworks.
- Strong communication skills enabling clear delivery of complex simulation results to senior external customers.
- Experience managing and mentoring teams of junior engineers and analysts.
Qualifications:- Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline.
- 8+ years of experience developing multi-domain, space, weapon-system, and mission-level M&S.
- Experience across multiple simulation frameworks (i.e. AFSIM, ESAMs, CFAM).
- Experience supporting multiple USAF and DoW customers including AFLCMC, AFRL, OUSW R&E, SCO, and DARPA.
- TS/SCI clearance required; SAP eligibility desired.
This position requires 100% customer location work (Eglin AFB, FL)-Work from home opportunities are possible but limited with this position. U.S. Citizenship required.
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