ISR Principal Modeling/Simulation Engineer

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

Job summary

SAIC is seeking an experienced modeling and simulation engineer for space-based ISR systems, with strong expertise in M&S tools and collaboration across DoD and IC partners. You will develop space-based ISR models, execute simulations, and analyze results across classification levels.

The role requires hands-on use of STK, SOAP, and AFSIM, plus scripting with VB, Python, and Matlab. On-site Chantilly, VA with opportunity for cross-agency coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 9+ years experience; Master's 7+ years; PhD/JD 4+ years.
• Experience developing complex space system models and simulations with STK, SOAP, AFSIM, and/or NGTS.
• Experience developing simulation scripts and interface code using VB, Python, and/or Matlab.
• Technical understanding of Space-based ISR systems across DoD IC, industry, international and government.
• 5+ years of space system M&S experience including analyzing results.
• Understanding of space-based ISR operations.
• Ability to work in classified/complementary environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop target missile simulations and trajectory files using M&S tools (AFSIM, etc).
• Develop M&S analysis scripts using VB, Python, and/or Matlab.
• Develop space-based ISR models with STK or SOAP and integrate designs.
• Assist in force design analysis planning and result evaluation.
• Coordinate with multiple agencies and external partners on M&S efforts.
• Collaborate across systems engineering disciplines for force design efforts.
• Coordinate internal and external modeling/simulation tasks and provide recommendations.

Skills

Problem solving

Team player

Independent execution

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD/JD

Tools

STK

SOAP

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Job ID 2615796

Location Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted 2026-08-18

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.