Modeling And Simulation Engineer

ACTalent; Florida; On-site; USD 83,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Modeling and Simulation Engineer focused on defense systems, missile modeling, and simulation development. You will lead a team, manage 6-DOF simulations, and drive HITL strategy while collaborating with cross-functional engineers using C++ and Python.

The role requires hands-on model development, verification and validation, and participation in program-wide HPC trade studies. On-site in Florida with periodic travel.

Qualifications

• This role requires strong systems engineering experience in defense systems.
• Hands-on missile modeling and simulation experience is essential.
• Experience with HITL simulation for defense/aerospace is required.
• Proficiency in 6-DOF missile simulations and HPC trade studies.
• Ability to lead technical teams and set direction for model development.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain missile models and simulations.
• Lead a missile M&S team and provide technical direction.
• Manage 6-DOF simulations across programs with a common architecture.
• Define verification/validation activities to meet standards.
• Lead HPC trade studies to influence program decisions.

Skills

Systems engineering

Missile simulation

HITL experience

6-DOF simulations

Team leadership

HPC trade studies

C++ programming

Python programming

Tools

Azure DevOps

Python

C++

Job description

Job Title: Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on the design, development, integration, and maintenance of complex defense systems, with an emphasis on missile modeling and simulation. The engineer will contribute to mission-critical GPS/INS and munition-related projects, ensuring that simulations and systems align with defense industry standards. The position requires a strong systems engineering experience, the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, and the capability to lead technical efforts in missile simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and high-performance computing trade studies.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain complex defense system models and simulations, with a focus on missile applications.
• Build and lead a missile modeling and simulation (M&S) team, providing technical direction and mentorship.
• Manage and maintain 6-DOF missile simulations across multiple concurrent programs, ensuring they adhere to a common, scalable architecture.
• Define and implement the direction for model development, verification, and validation activities to meet program and industry standards.
• Lead trade studies on a high-performance computing (HPC) grid to inform and shape key program decisions.
• Develop and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) simulation strategies to support integration and test activities.
• Participate in missile simulation accreditation processes, preparing documentation and evidence to support formal approvals.
• Present technical results, findings, and recommendations to customers and leadership in a clear and professional manner.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure simulation models accurately represent system behavior and requirements.
• Utilize Azure DevOps and related tools to manage configuration, workflows, and collaboration for simulation and modeling projects.
• Contribute hands‑on technical work in algorithm development and implementation using languages such as C++ and Python.
• Support periodic travel to program sites or test facilities as needed to oversee integration, testing, and customer engagements.

Essential Skills

• Strong in systems engineering with experience in complex defense systems.
• Demonstrated experience with missile simulation accreditation processes.
• Hands‑on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) simulation for defense or aerospace systems.
• Proficiency in modeling and simulation of missile or similar guided systems, including 6-DOF simulations.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent simulation programs while maintaining a common architecture.
• Experience leading or building technical teams in a modeling and simulation environment.
• Ability to set technical direction for model development, verification, and trade studies.
• Experience presenting technical results and recommendations to customers
• Proficiency with Azure DevOps for project tracking, configuration management, and collaboration.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and Python for algorithm and model implementation.
• Solid understanding of defense industry standards and practices related to modeling, simulation, and system integration.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with GPS/INS engineering and munition design, analysis, integration, and testing.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) environments for running large-scale simulations and trade studies.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment with cross-disciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational skills and a goal‑oriented mindset suited to complex, multi‑program environments.
• Comfort with periodic travel to support program activities, integration events, and customer meetings.
• Interest in combining hands‑on technical work with leadership responsibilities and team development.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, including leveraging education reimbursement opportunities.

Work Environment

This is an on‑site role based at a defense‑focused engineering facility, with the option to work from locations such as Niceville, FL or Tucson, AZ as indicated by program needs. The environment is fast‑paced and highly collaborative, involving close coordination with other engineers and technical staff working on GPS/INS, munition design, and complex missile systems. Work is performed using modern simulation tools, programming languages such as C++ and Python, Azure DevOps for project and configuration management, and high‑performance computing (HPC) resources for large‑scale simulations and trade studies. The position includes periodic travel to support program activities, integration events, and customer engagements. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes a competitive bonus structure, safe harbour self‑directed 401k, company‑paid group life insurance, medical coverage, paid time off, and education reimbursement, supporting both professional growth and work‑life balance

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Niceville, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Niceville,FL.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.