Principal Mission Engineering Analyst

Leidos Inc; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 131,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Inc is seeking a Senior Modeling Engineer to develop multi-domain system simulations using AFSIM and to create advanced models of space, air, maritime, and ground systems. You will evaluate models, apply OO programming for scalability, and communicate results to stakeholders across defense programs.

Ideal candidates have 12+ years in modeling/simulation, strong Python/MATLAB skills, and DoD domain knowledge, with 50% in-office work near San Diego, CA or other listed locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Physics/CS with 12+ years of experience; Masters in related fields acceptable with 10+ years.
• 7+ years of modeling, simulation, and analysis, preferably using AFSIM.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Develop models of multi-domain systems and software in mission-level simulations using AFSIM.
• Create advanced models of space, air, maritime, and ground systems and evaluate them.
• Apply object-oriented programming to maximize M&S scalability and extensibility.
• Analyze simulation results to communicate system effectiveness to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with SMEs, software engineers, and analysts across Defense Sector and Leidos.
• Participate in code reviews and maintain high coding standards.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

OOP

DoD domain knowledge

Agile DevSecOps

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Physics/CS

Master's degree preferred

Tools

AFSIM

C++

JIRA/Confluence

Job description

Description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead!

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop models of multi-domain systems of systems and software in mission-level simulations using AFSIM, with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making.
• Create advanced models of space, air, maritime, and ground systems and their behaviors. Conduct model evaluation and validation.
• Apply Object-Oriented Programming techniques to maximize M&S environment scalability and extensibility.
• Analyze simulation results to communicate system and software effectiveness in-context of their real-world applications.
• Collaborate with SMEs, software engineers, and analysts in the Defense Sector and across Leidos to maximize Operational Analysis activity productivity.
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers to maintain high coding standards.
• Document model development processes, results, and best practices for knowledge sharing and reproducibility.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in AFSIM capabilities.
• Assists in creating technical documentation and presentations to communicate findings and progress to stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or related field and 12+ years of prior relevant experience. Masters degree in the above areas and 10+ years is also acceptable.
• 7+ years of experience in modeling, simulation, and analysis, preferably using AFSIM.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB.
• Deep understanding of military operations at the mission and/or campaign level, informed by experience working on DoD programs.
• Expertise in modeling military systems and their behaviors in multiple domains.
• Familiarity with Agile DevSecOps practices.
• Possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot complex technical issues and design effective solutions.
• Possess effective communication and be able to collaborate with Customers, and cross-functional teams, document technical processes, and present solutions to stakeholders.
• Must be able to prioritize tasks effectively, manage deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Enthusiasm for learning and adapting to new technologies and methodologies.
• US citizenship with a Top Secret clearance, SCI eligible.
• This positions requires 50% in office work at one of these locations. You will need to reside within commuting distance of one of these locations.
  • Arlington, Virginia
  • Reston, Virginia
  • Huntsville, Alabama
  • Beavercreek, Ohio
  • San Diego, California

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree or PhD in a relevant field.
• Experience with programming languages like C, C++, R, or Java and Object-Oriented Programming practices.
• Experience with modeling space-based sensing systems, communications systems, and/or space domain awareness systems.
• Experience modeling military combat scenarios/vignettes.
• Experience integrating multiple tools in a singular environment.
• Agile-based knowledge and skill, including experience with Scrum Ceremonies and work management tools (e.g., (JIRA, Confluence).

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting: September 24, 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 $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos' name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system - never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail].

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

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.