Lead Aerospace Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Leidos; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Dynetics is seeking an Aerospace Modeling and Simulation Engineer in Charlottesville, VA to develop high-fidelity aerospace models and test them against requirements. You will guide a team and collaborate with external stakeholders to define and demonstrate capabilities.

The role requires 4+ years in aerospace modeling, MATLAB/Simulink, and programming in C++ or Python, with a focus on flight dynamics and systems engineering within a tight-knit engineering community.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 4+ years of applicable experience (or 2+ years with a Master’s).
• Experience with 3DOF/6DOF flight models and aerospace systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and test high-fidelity aerospace models.
• Provide technical guidance to a team of engineers.
• Document model design and performance against requirements.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on requirements and demonstrations.
• Support validation of modeling and simulation capabilities.

Skills

Strong communication

Systems engineering

MATLAB/Simulink

C++

Python

Leadership/Direction

U.S. Citizenship

Education

ABET-accredited Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering degree

Master’s degree (optional)

Tools

SVN

Git

ITASE

AFSIM

Job description

Are you ready to make a real impact in aerospace innovation? Join a passionate team at Leidos Dynetics, where your expertise will help shape the future of air-launched weapons, ballistic missile systems, avionics, hypersonic vehicles, and guidance, navigation, and controls. As an Aerospace Modeling and Simulation Engineer, you’ll be at the heart of groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of technology.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Meaningful Work: Contribute to high-profile aerospace projects that matter-your models and simulations will drive real-world solutions and advancements.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside talented engineers and external stakeholders, sharing ideas and learning from diverse perspectives.
• Professional Growth: Expand your skills in MATLAB, Simulink, C++, and Python, and gain hands-on experience with advanced flight models and systems engineering.
• Community & Location: Be part of a vibrant engineering community in Charlottesville, VA.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and test high-fidelity models of aerospace systems using provided technical information, research, and sound engineering principles.
• Provide technical guidance to a team of engineers developing representative flight models.
• Evaluate and document model performance against established requirements.
• Develop and maintain documentation of algorithm design and model implementation.
• Collaborate with an engineering team comprised of both internal and external team members.
• Engage with external stakeholders to define requirements, address technical needs, and conduct model demonstrations.
• Support the development, integration, and validation of aerospace modeling and simulation capabilities.
• Candidate must be local to or willing to relocate to the Charlottesville, VA area.

Required Skills, Education, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent discipline from an ABET-accredited university with 4+ years of applicable experience, or a Master’s degree with 2+ years of applicable experience.
• Experience developing or working with 3DOF and/or 6DOF flight models.
• Experience with ballistic missiles, air-launched missiles, and/or hypersonic vehicles.
• Experience using MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience programming in C++ and/or Python.
• Experience leading or providing technical direction to a team in support of customer requirements.
• Detailed understanding of the systems engineering process.
• Demonstrated understanding and technical intuition regarding the functionality and interdependencies of aerospace systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, including the ability to document technical work and ensure effective information flow across the engineering team.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must possess and be able to maintain an active Secret clearance.
• Must meet eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with configuration management tools such as SVN and Git.
• Experience integrating and testing Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms.
• Experience with ITASE and/or AFSIM.

Original Posting

October 9, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.