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. (GA-ASI) in San Diego, CA seeks a senior L6 Staff Mission & Operations Modeling and Simulation Engineer to lead simulation-driven initiatives and define system architectures for kill chains and multi-domain missions.

You will mentor engineers, develop reusable models using AFSIM and related tools, produce analyses and briefings, and collaborate across engineering, strategy, and business units to translate insights into actionable recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, masters, or PhD in engineering with progressive experience.
• Extensive engineering fundamentals and simulation proficiency.
• Strong Python, MATLAB or equivalent scripting skills; ability to apply new concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead mission-level simulations using tools like AFSIM for multi-domain scenarios.
• Coordinate modeling of ISR, C2, fires, EW, and autonomy components.
• Translate concepts into reusable simulation models and digital architectures.
• Analyze threat behaviors, interoperability, latency, and survivability.
• Deliver visualizations, reports, and briefs to diverse audiences.
• Mentor junior staff and collaborate across engineering, strategy and business units.
• Serve as prime technical contact for simulation initiatives.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C++

SysML

Cameo

Digital twin

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

AFSIM

STK

Simulink

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