Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer (Level III)

Athenix Solutions Group; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the Annapolis Junction, MD area is seeking a Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer to provide senior technical leadership for a large-scale DoD cyber training program. This role involves leading engineering teams, designing network architectures, and overseeing simulation environment integration. The ideal candidate will have 8+ years of experience in relevant fields and require an active Top Secret clearance. Some travel may be necessary for mission support.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret / SCI w/Polygraph clearance.
• 8+ years of experience in modeling and simulation, cyber range engineering, or related fields.
• 3+ years leading technical teams in similar environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for modeling and simulation activities.
• Lead design, development, and integration of simulation environments.
• Oversee and manage software licensing for simulation platforms.

Skills

Modeling and simulation

Cyber range engineering

Network architecture

Technical leadership

Strong communication skills

Job description

Athenix Solutions group is looking for a Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer (Level III) to serve as key personnel on a large-scale DoD/DoW cyber training and exercise program in the Annapolis Junction, MD area.

This role provides senior technical leadership for modeling and simulation environments, including network design, cyber range and lab development, simulation integration, and delivery of realistic, scalable training and exercise capabilities across multiple classification levels. The successful candidate will lead engineering teams, advise senior stakeholders, and ensure simulation environments directly support training and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical lead for modeling and simulation activities supporting cyber training and exercise missions
• Lead design, development, integration, and sustainment of simulation environments, cyber ranges, and lab-based targets
• Oversee environment and network architecture design, including multi-domain and multi-classification simulations
• Manage software licensing, infrastructure upgrades, and technical dependencies for simulation platforms
• Ensure simulation solutions integrate effectively with joint, virtual, live, and constructive (JVLC) training constructs
• Provide technical oversight for exercise scenario–dependent target simulations, including variable fidelity models
• Lead and mentor simulation engineers, lab engineers, and technical specialists
• Coordinate closely with training, operations, and IT teams to align simulation capabilities with mission requirements
• Support exercise execution, troubleshooting, and after-action technical assessments
• Maintain configuration control and documentation for all simulation deliverables
• Brief senior government stakeholders on technical approaches, risks, and recommended solutions

This position may require some CONUS & OCONUS travel.

Requirements

• Active Top Secret / SCI w/Polygraph clearance
• 8+ years of experience in modeling and simulation, cyber range engineering, virtualized environments, or related technical disciplines
• 3+ years of experience leading technical teams in an engineering or simulation environment
• Demonstrated experience designing and operating complex networked simulation environments
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

Desired Qualifications:

• Broad technical foundation across:
  • Network architecture and virtualization
  • Cyber ranges and lab environments
  • Industrial Control Systems (ICS) or OT simulation
  • Virtual machine and cloud-based infrastructure
• Experience integrating simulations into joint or large-scale training and exercise events
• Familiarity with configuration management, resource allocation, schedule tracking, and technical reporting
• Experience supporting training or exercise missions in classified environments
• Strong customer engagement and problem-solving skills

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.