Staff Mission & Operations Modeling and Simulation Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in San Diego, CA invites application for an L6 – Staff Mission & Operations Modeling and Simulation Engineer to join the AMS Engineering team.

This senior role leads simulation-driven initiatives and sets technical direction for kill chains and multi-domain missions. You will mentor engineers, translate concepts into reusable simulation models, and deliver impactful briefings for technical and non-technical audiences while collaborating across

Qualifications

• Bachelors/Masters/PhD in engineering or related field with extensive experience.
• Extensive expertise in simulation tools (AFSIM, STK, Simulink) and mission-level modeling.
• Strong Python and MATLAB programming and scripting skills.
• Experience with SysML or Cameo for systems engineering analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead mission-level simulations using AFSIM and related platforms.
• Model multi-domain ISR, C2, EW, and autonomy components.
• Translate concepts into reusable models and digital architectures.
• Analyze threat behaviors, interoperability, latency, and survivability.
• Define fidelity strategies and streamline simulation workflows.
• Prepare visualizations, reports, and briefings for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to convert insights into recommendations.
• Mentor less experienced engineers and promote technical excellence.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

AFSIM

Simulink

STK

System modeling

Education

Engineering degree (Bachelors/Masters/PhD)

Tools

AFSIM

STK

Simulink

Python

MATLAB

SysML/Cameo

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We are seeking an L6 – Staff Mission & Operations Modeling and Simulation Engineer to join our Agile Mission Systems (AMS) Engineering team in San Diego, CA. In this pivotal, senior-level role you will lead simulation-driven initiatives and system architecture efforts that inform and validate full-spectrum kill chains and multi-domain mission scenarios. Your work will transform innovative system concepts into validated, actionable designs that bolster real-world defense capabilities while setting technical direction and mentoring emerging talent.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and lead mission-level simulations using tools such as AFSIM and related platforms to model scenarios spanning air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains—including full-spectrum kill chains from detection through engagement.
• Coordinate the modeling of multi-domain systems covering Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), command and control (C2), fires, electronic warfare (EW), and autonomy components.
• Translate operational concepts and system requirements into reusable simulation models and digital architectures, incorporating digital thread and digital twin strategies into systems engineering processes.
• Analyze threat behaviors, system interoperability, latency, and survivability in realistic and contested environments to support operational assessments.
• Guide the development of reusable scenario architectures, define model fidelity strategies, and streamline simulation workflows for broader team adoption.
• Prepare and deliver high-impact visualizations, comprehensive reports, and technical briefings for both technical and non-technical audiences to support concept validation, operational decision-making, and customer engagement.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams—including engineering, strategy, and business units—to ensure simulation insights are translated into actionable technical recommendations.
• Serve as the prime technical contact for simulation and mission systems architecture initiatives while mentoring less experienced professionals and promoting a culture of technical excellence.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrated extensive technical expertise with a strong command of engineering principles, simulation tools (e.g., AFSIM, and familiarity with platforms such as STK or Simulink), and mission-level simulation practices—including modeling of kill chains, cross-domain data integration, and multi-domain system architecture.
• Proven ability to quickly understand and apply new technical concepts in an evolving environment.
• Strong programming and scripting skills using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools.
• Experience with systems engineering methodologies and tools (such as SysML or Cameo) to drive cross-domain analysis and design.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the capability to represent the organization as a prime technical contact and guide less experienced professionals.
• Must be customer-focused and able to work both autonomously and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance required.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with electronic warfare, autonomy, distributed C2, or contested operations simulation.
  • Familiarity with agent-based modeling, campaign-level analysis, or wargaming.
  • In-depth understanding of military concepts of operations (CONOPS), Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), or multi-domain operations (MDO).
  • Demonstrated technical leadership through original publications in professional journals, invited presentations at engineering symposiums, or prior participation on engineering review panels.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 105,890 - 189,545