AFSIM Developer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about building high-fidelity simulations that shape the future of U.S. Space Force capabilities and force design decisions? Do you thrive on developing advanced AFSIM models that bring complex space, cyber, electronic warfare, and multi-domain operational concepts to life? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! We are seeking an experienced AFSIM Developer to support advanced modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) efforts for U.S. Space Force force design initiatives. In this role, you will develop, extend, and maintain high-fidelity simulations using the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM) to evaluate future space architectures, mission concepts, systems-of-systems interactions, and operational scenarios in contested multi-domain environments. You will collaborate with analysts, engineers, and subject matter experts to build and refine models of space systems, platforms, sensors, threats, and enabling capabilities. Your work will directly inform force design decisions, capability trades, concept of operations (CONOPS) development, and wargaming/experimentation activities. This position requires the ability to translate complex operational and technical requirements into extensible simulation components while ensuring models remain performant and analytically robust.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
3+ years of strong proficiency in modern C++ for framework-level development and plugin creation.
3+ years of direct, hands-on experience with AFSIM (scenario development, plugin development, model integration, or core extensions).
Experience in modeling and simulation, preferably in aerospace, space, or multi-domain mission-level contexts.
Familiarity with object-oriented design, modular frameworks, and simulation best practices.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills for working in collaborative, high-impact environments.
Able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Experience with space-specific modeling (orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, satellite systems, PNT, comms, or space control).
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or Lua scripting for analysis, automation, or AFSIM integration.
Knowledge of electronic warfare, cyber effects, or multi-domain operations in simulations.
Familiarity with additional M&S tools such as STK, NGTS, or similar.
Experience supporting DoD or Space Force analysis, wargaming, or acquisition programs.
Understanding of force design or capability development processes.
Experience with AFSIM supporting tools (Wizard IDE, Mystic, etc.) and its scripting language.
Active TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and integrate custom AFSIM plugins, models, and scenarios for space domain simulations, including orbital dynamics, satellite constellations, sensing, communications, electronic warfare (EW), and multi-domain effects.
Extend AFSIM’s core framework using its modular C++ architecture to support new capabilities, behaviors, and data interfaces.
Develop and maintain scenario definitions, input files, and scripting logic to enable rapid exploration of force design alternatives.
Perform verification and validation (V&V) of models against reference data, engineering models, or higher-fidelity tools.
Conduct simulation runs, analyze outputs, and generate visualizations or metrics to support analytical conclusions and decision-making.
Interface AFSIM with other tools (e.g., STK, MATLAB, Python data pipelines) for hybrid workflows or post-processing.
Support integration of real-world data, threat representations, and emerging technologies into simulation environments.
Contribute to documentation, user guides, and knowledge sharing within the modeling community.