SIM Operations Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.; Edwards Air Force Base (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year

6% 401k match with immediate vesting

Optional zero deductible health insurance plan

Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement

Job summary

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. is looking for a Principal SIM Operations Engineer at Edwards AFB, California, focusing on supporting simulation operations. Candidates should have over 8 years of relevant engineering experience and excellent communication skills. Responsibilities include simulation event planning, troubleshooting, and ensuring readiness for ongoing SIM events.

The role offers a competitive salary range of $115,000 to $177,000 per year, depending on experience along with comprehensive benefits such as PTO and a 401k match.

Qualifications

• 8+ years' experience in related engineering discipline.
• Experience with test operations is essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Participates in simulation event planning process.
• Modifies existing simulation scenarios as needed.
• Performs real-time simulation equipment/software troubleshooting.
• Executes simulation start procedures.

Skills

Test operations

Written and verbal communication skills

Problem-solving mindset

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Next Generation Threat System (NGTS)

Digital Integrated Air Defense System (DIADS)

Linux

Windows OS

Job description

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Principal SIM Operations Engineer to support our operations at Edwards AFB, California.

We are seeking a highly adaptable and mission‑focused professional to directly support virtual test and training events in a dynamic SIM environment, working side by side with aircrew and discipline engineers. This role supports simulation of cutting‑edge airborne platforms from the USAF and DoW inventory for our customer at the 445th Test Squadron.

The ideal candidate brings a diverse background that includes a depth of aircraft operations or test experience. Success in this position requires the flexibility and problem‑solving mindset often found in fast‑paced, start‑up‑style environments. Experience navigating Linux and Microsoft operating systems via command prompt for simulation execution is desired but not required.

In this role, you will support ongoing SIM events and contribute to the JSE virtual environment, performing testing and training at a scale not achievable in open‑air. This is a unique opportunity to be part of advanced, high‑impact simulation efforts that push beyond the limitations of traditional testing environments.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Participates in simulation event planning process
• Reads and understands customer requirements documents (test plans, training plans, etc.)
• Translates customer requirements into requirements for simulation scenarios
• Assists in writing test/training support plans and other execution materials
• Participates with simulation scenario development
• Becomes an expert on one or more systems that support simulation execution (NGTS, DIADS, etc.)
• Programs simulation area, entities, and environmental conditions to create new simulation scenarios to meet customer requirements
• Modifies existing simulation scenarios when appropriate to meet customer requirements
• Participates in simulation event readiness reviews
• Presents support documentation and scenario development status
• Receives and executes feedback from review participants
• Control Room Operation
• Gains and maintains control room qualifications based on organizational standards
• Participates in simulation event briefings as required by simulation event leaders
• Executes simulation start procedures
• Performs real‑time simulation equipment/software troubleshooting to correct issues as they arise during simulation events
• Attends and participates in simulation event debrief sessions
• Executes data analysis and development of reporting products for customers
• Creates data requests per organization standards. Delivers these data requests to data management personnel
• Processes, conditions, or analyzes raw simulation data per test/training support plans and/or associated data analysis plans
• Assists with data packaging and delivery to customers per test/training support plans or associated data analysis plans

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years' experience in related engineering discipline
• Experience with test operations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desired qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in flight test (operations engineer, test conductor/director, or discipline engineer, non-rated aircrew)
• Experience using Next Generation Threat System (NGTS) or Digital Integrated Air Defense System (DIADS) simulator software.
• Familiarity with LINUX and Windows OS

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program.

Travel Requirements

Up to 20% travel may be required.

Clearance Requirements

Active Secret security clearance granted within the last six years, with the ability to gain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility desired.

U.S. Citizenship is required.

The expected pay range for this position in California is $115,000/year to $177,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via MTSI's internal or external careers site.

Benefits

• Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/year
• Flexible schedules
• 6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annually
• Semi‑annual bonus eligibility (July and December)
• Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement account
• Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement
• Other company funded benefits, like life and disability insurance
• Optional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Consistent with our Core Values, we are committed to Equal Opportunity, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. MTSI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with physical and/or mental disabilities.