Modeling & Simulation Engineer – Operations Analysis

HIKINEX•Los Angeles, CA

50d•$140,000 - $190,000•Onsite

About The Position

An advanced defense technology company is seeking a Modeling & Simulation Engineer to support operational analysis, mission effectiveness studies, and system performance evaluation across next-generation defense and aerospace programs. This role focuses on building and executing high-fidelity simulations that help evaluate sensors, communications systems, missiles, aircraft, autonomous systems, and mission-level engagements in operationally relevant scenarios. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and statistical capability with hands-on simulation experience and a deep understanding of mission systems, kill chains, and operational environments. This is a highly technical role suited for engineers who thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy solving complex defense and mission-analysis problems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, Data Science, or related technical discipline
5+ years of experience supporting defense, aerospace, intelligence, or advanced technology programs
Strong understanding of mission analysis, weapon employment concepts, or operational kill chains
Experience with one or more operational simulation tools such as: AFSIM, ESAMS, STK, Brawler, Physics-based simulation environments
Strong Python and/or MATLAB programming skills for scientific computing and analysis
Solid statistical analysis and data interpretation capability
Experience building analytical workflows, simulations, or mission-level studies with minimal oversight
Strong understanding of physics, kinematics, and system-level interactions in operational environments
Comfortable working in Linux-based environments and developing scalable analysis tools
U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance required

Nice To Haves

Radar performance analysis and sensor effectiveness modeling
Missile systems, guidance, tracking, or engagement analysis
Modeling and simulation of aircraft, autonomous systems, spacecraft, or communications systems
Operations analysis or mission engineering experience within defense organizations or government programs
Familiarity with Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), SIMDIS, VR-Forces, or related visualization environments
Experience with software-in-the-loop simulation, autonomy systems, or guidance/navigation/control frameworks
Experience supporting DoD, DARPA, AFRL, ONR, intelligence community, or related government programs
Active TS/SCI clearance
Familiarity with machine learning workflows, GPU acceleration, or advanced scientific computing libraries is a plus

Responsibilities

Design, develop, execute, and analyze mission-level modeling and simulation studies
Evaluate system performance and operational effectiveness across complex defense scenarios
Build and refine models for sensors, communications systems, aircraft, autonomous systems, missiles, and other mission assets
Perform operational analysis using simulation environments such as AFSIM, ESAMS, STK, Brawler, or equivalent mission-level frameworks
Apply rigorous statistical analysis methods to simulation outputs to quantify effectiveness, identify trends, and support decision-making
Develop Python- and/or MATLAB-based tools for simulation automation, data processing, visualization, and analysis
Support modeling efforts spanning radar performance, weapon employment, tracking, guidance, and engagement analysis
Create technical reports, visualizations, briefing materials, and operational assessments for technical and non-technical stakeholders
Collaborate closely with engineering, systems, and customer-facing teams to translate operational questions into analytical studies
Maintain software development best practices including version control, reproducibility, and scalable workflows