ISR Principal Modeling/Simulation Engineer

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC seeks an experienced Space-based ISR modeling and simulation specialist to support the Space Warfighting Analysis Center. You will develop complex models, run simulations, and analyze results with STK/SOAP/AFSIM, coordinating across DoD and partners to inform future architectures.

The role requires deep space ISR knowledge, strong coding in VB/Python/Matlab, and the ability to work in a classified environment while guiding cross-functional teams toward actionable insights.

Qualifications

• Bachelors with nine years or more experience; Masters seven years; PhD/JD four years.
• Experience developing complex space system models with STK/SOAP/AFSIM/NGTS.
• Experience scripting simulations in VB, Python, Matlab.
• Technical understanding of space-based ISR across DoD IC and partner organizations.
• 5+ years in space system modeling and simulation including result analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in dynamic environments.
• Ability to work in classified environments and coordinate across agencies.

Responsibilities

• Develop target (missile) simulations and trajectory/behavior files using M&S tools (AFSIM, etc.).
• Develop modeling/analysis scripts using VB, Python, Matlab.
• Create space-based ISR performance models using STK/SOAP and integrate with force designs.
• Assist in force design planning, coordination and results evaluation.
• Recommend dependencies and opportunities across joint, IC, industry, and government entities.
• Assist modeling inputs for external M&S efforts.
• Collaborate across teams for full-spectrum systems engineering and force design efforts.
• Coordinate with multiple agencies/organizations.

Skills

Space system modeling

Simulation scripting

Team collaboration

Problem solving

DoD environment

Education

Bachelor's degree + 9 years

Master's degree + 7 years

PhD/JD + 4 years

Tools

STK

SOAP

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Job ID 2617235

Location

Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted

2026-09-24

Category

Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory

Modeling/Sim Engr

Schedule

Full-Time

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required

TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain

None

Potential for Remote Work

ORA_ON_SITE

Description

The qualified applicant will provide local support to the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Multi-Domain Sensing Program (MDSP), Space-based Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISRT) Division with expertise in ISR systems/processes and modeling and simulation (M&S). Efforts include (but not limited to) Developing space-based ISR models, executing space-based ISR models, analyzing and assessing modeling and simulation results from analysis partners across all classification levels.

This position requires significant technical understanding of space-based ISR as well as significant experience with M&S. Experience and understanding of airborne ISR capabilities is also desired. The candidate must be able to articulate what remote sensing is needed from tactical to strategic levels, where it needs to go and how fast it needs to get there; employ and develop modeling, simulation, and analysis tools; analyze modeling and simulation results; coordinate internal and external modeling and simulation efforts and provide recommendations on potential improvements to concepts and architectures.

Duties and Responsibilties

• Develop target (missile) simulations and corresponding trajectory and behavior files using industry standard M&S tools such as the Advanced Framework for Simulation Integration and Modeling (AFSIM) ** Primary
• Develop modeling and simulation analysis and assessment scripts using government network supportable tools such as Visual Basic, Python, and/or Matlab. **Primary
• Develop space-based missile warning access and performance models using industry standard M&S tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK) or Satellite Orbit Analysis Program (SOAP) and integrate SWAC space-based ISR capability area force designs with modeling and simulation expertise. **SecondarySupport
• Assist in force design analysis planning, analysis execution coordination, and analysis results evaluation
• Recommend and document force design dependencies and opportunities (joint, intelligence community, industry, international and other government organizations)
• Assist with modeling inputs and simulation development for external M&S efforts
• Collaborate in cross-functional planning, coordination and task execution involving the full spectrum of systems engineering and integration activities for a force design effort
• Coordinate efforts internally and externally with multiple agencies/organizations

Qualifications

Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.

• Demonstrated experience developing complex space system models and simulations with industry standard tools such as STK, SOAP, AFSIM, and/or NGTS
• Demonstrated experience developing simulation scripts and interface code using government supportable software languages such as VB, Python, and/or Matlab
• Technical understanding of Space-based ISR systems across joint, intelligence community, industry, international and/or other government organizations
• 5+ years of space system modeling and simulation experience including analyzing modeling and simulation results
• In depth understanding of space-based ISR systems and operations
• Demonstrated problem solving/critical thinking in complex and dynamic organizational environments
• Ability to actively participate in a team environment, working collaboratively as well as independently
• Ability to solely execute and direct tasks including coordinating with multiple organizations/agencies and present leadership with viable options for future architectures
• Have a background of applying analytical problem solving at the tactical, operational and strategic levels of war across multiple DoD organizations
• Ability to apply a variety of analysis techniques to identify operational shortfalls of U.S. space capabilities and concepts and make recommendations for future architectures
• Ability to develop and present leadership decision quality briefings and papers
• Knowledge of how to work in a classified and compartmented working environment is required

Target salary range $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.