Simulation Framework Lead - M&S Architecture & Migration

Shield AI; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 173,000 - 259,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Simulation Framework Lead to head a team of C++/Python simulation engineers, shaping the HMSF roadmap and ensuring seamless integration with DoD-scale simulators. You will drive architecture, mentor engineers, and align migrations from HMSSimBlocks to HMSF, while maintaining operational continuity for active programs.

You will partner with HMS program leads and product teams to address complex sensor and multi-domain needs, and uphold strict security and performance standards

Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline and 7+ years of related experience (or 5+ years with a Master’s, or equivalent practical experience), including experience in technical leadership, team lead, or engineering management.
• Deep software engineering background in C++ and Python within Linux environments.
• Practical experience with modeling and simulation frameworks (such as AFSIM, NGTS, SimBlocks/HMSF, or similar) and distributed simulation middleware (DDS, DIS/HLA).
• Proven ability to partner with platform/product teams (e.g., HMP) to influence external product roadmaps and drive program requirements upstream.
• Demonstrated experience managing software platform migrations while maintaining operational stability for legacy systems.
• Familiarity with defense simulation interface standards (GRID/JSE, CIGI, CSF) and network protocols (UDP/TCP).
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. SECRET security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of specialized C++ and Python simulation engineers. Set technical direction, conduct performance reviews, and foster high engineering rigor.
• Collaborate directly with HMP engineering and product leadership to drive HMS program requirements into the Hivemind Simulation Framework (HMSF), ensuring HMSF accommodates complex DoD program needs, custom sensors, and multi-domain environments.
• Architect and lay out the phased migration roadmap from HMSSimBlocks to HMSF, ensuring uninterrupted operational support for active programs using HMSSimBlocks while guiding teams toward HMSF adoption.
• Oversee the design and maintenance of baseline simulation adapters, plugins, and interfaces for NGTS, AFSIM, Aechelon, HMSSimBlocks, and HMSF.
• Align simulation frameworks with defense interface standards (e.g., GRID/JSE, CIGI, CSF, DDS), ensuring seamless interoperability across DoD-recognized threat and visual simulators.
• Partner cross-functionally with HMS program leads, integration teams, and autonomy teams to ensure simulation environments accurately support hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing needs.
• Champion developer enablement by providing standardized simulation templates, documentation, and framework support to downstream engineering teams.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Leadership

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Aerospace Engineering / Systems Engineering

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

SimBlocks/HMSF

DDS

DIS/HLA

Job description

Shield AI seeks a Simulation Framework Lead to head a team of C++/Python simulation engineers, shaping the HMSF roadmap and ensuring seamless integration with DoD-scale simulators. You will drive architecture, mentor engineers, and align migrations from HMSSimBlocks to HMSF, while maintaining operational continuity for active programs.

You will partner with HMS program leads and product teams to address complex sensor and multi-domain needs, and uphold strict security and performance standards