Job Title: Modeling and Simulation EngineerJob DescriptionThis role focuses on the design, development, integration, and maintenance of complex defense systems, with an emphasis on missile modeling and simulation. The engineer will contribute to mission-critical GPS/INS and munition-related projects, ensuring that simulations and systems align with defense industry standards. The position requires a strong systems engineering background, the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, and the capability to lead technical efforts in missile simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and high-performance computing trade studies.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, integrate, and maintain complex defense system models and simulations, with a focus on missile applications.
- Build and lead a missile modeling and simulation (M&S) team, providing technical direction and mentorship.
- Manage and maintain 6-DOF missile simulations across multiple concurrent programs, ensuring they adhere to a common, scalable architecture.
- Define and implement the direction for model development, verification, and validation activities to meet program and industry standards.
- Lead trade studies on a high-performance computing (HPC) grid to inform and shape key program decisions.
- Develop and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) simulation strategies to support integration and test activities.
- Participate in missile simulation accreditation processes, preparing documentation and evidence to support formal approvals.
- Present technical results, findings, and recommendations to customers and senior leadership in a clear and professional manner.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure simulation models accurately represent system behavior and requirements.
- Utilize Azure DevOps and related tools to manage configuration, workflows, and collaboration for simulation and modeling projects.
- Contribute hands-on technical work in algorithm development and implementation using languages such as C++ and Python.
- Support periodic travel to program sites or test facilities as needed to oversee integration, testing, and customer engagements.
Essential Skills
- Strong background in systems engineering with experience in complex defense systems.
- Demonstrated experience with missile simulation accreditation processes.
- Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) simulation for defense or aerospace systems.
- Proficiency in modeling and simulation of missile or similar guided systems, including 6-DOF simulations.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent simulation programs while maintaining a common architecture.
- Experience leading or building technical teams in a modeling and simulation environment.
- Ability to set technical direction for model development, verification, and trade studies.
- Experience presenting technical results and recommendations to customers or senior leadership.
- Proficiency with Azure DevOps for project tracking, configuration management, and collaboration.
- Strong programming skills in C++ and Python for algorithm and model implementation.
- Solid understanding of defense industry standards and practices related to modeling, simulation, and system integration.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working with GPS/INS engineering and munition design, analysis, integration, and testing.
- Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) environments for running large-scale simulations and trade studies.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with cross-disciplinary teams.
- Strong organizational skills and a goal-oriented mindset suited to complex, multi-program environments.
- Comfort with periodic travel to support program activities, integration events, and customer meetings.
- Interest in combining hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities and team development.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, including leveraging education reimbursement opportunities.
Work EnvironmentThis is an on-site role based at a defense-focused engineering facility, with the option to work from locations such as Niceville, FL or Tucson, AZ as indicated by program needs. The environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative, involving close coordination with other engineers and technical staff working on GPS/INS, munition design, and complex missile systems. Work is performed using modern simulation tools, programming languages such as C++ and Python, Azure DevOps for project and configuration management, and high-performance computing (HPC) resources for large-scale simulations and trade studies. The position includes periodic travel to support program activities, integration events, and customer engagements. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes a competitive bonus structure, safe harbor self-directed 401k, company-paid group life insurance, medical coverage, paid time off, and education reimbursement, supporting both professional growth and work-life balance. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tucson, AZ. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tucson, AZ. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Tucson,AZ.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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