What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Mission and Operations Modeling and Simulation Engineer position at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems?
Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leader in advanced unmanned aircraft systems, tactical sensors, and integrated technologies. We are seeking a L5- Staff Mission & Operations Modeling and Simulation Engineer to join our Agile Mission Systems (AMS) Engineering team in San Diego, CA. In this senior-level role, you will support the development and application of simulation tools to explore, validate, and enhance how advanced unmanned systems perform across multi-domain mission scenarios. Your work will transform innovative system concepts into validated, actionable designs that directly bolster real-world defense capabilities and exemplify technical leadership across the organization.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Job Qualifications
Salary range: 98,100 - 171,398
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leader in advanced unmanned aircraft systems, tactical sensors, and integrated technologies. We are seeking a L5- Staff Mission & Operations Modeling and Simulation Engineer to join our Agile Mission Systems (AMS) Engineering team in San Diego, CA. In this senior-level role, you will support the development and application of simulation tools to explore, validate, and enhance how advanced unmanned systems perform across multi-domain mission scenarios. Your work will transform innovative system concepts into validated, actionable designs that directly bolster real-world defense capabilities and exemplify technical leadership across the organization.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Build and run simulations using tools such as AFSIM and related platforms to model mission scenarios spanning air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.
- Translate system requirements and operational concepts into reusable models and simulation logic.
- Analyze the performance of sensors, communications, weapons, and autonomous functions in realistic threat environments.
- Collaborate with engineering teams across the organization to assess new capabilities, test ideas, and support decision-making through simulation-driven insights.
- Develop and implement digital thread and digital twin strategies that integrate simulation with systems engineering processes.
- Create, deliver, and refine comprehensive reports, visualizations, and presentations for both technical and non-technical stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on high-impact presentation skills.
- Contribute to research initiatives, proposal development, and system-level trade studies by providing strategic insight and technical expertise.
- Plan, organize, and coordinate simulation projects while mentoring less experienced team members and fostering a culture of technical excellence.
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; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
- Extensive technical expertise with a strong command of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice.
- Proven ability to quickly grasp new technical concepts—particularly those relating to digital thread and digital twin strategies—and apply them effectively in an evolving environment.
- Proficiency with simulation tools such as AFSIM or similar environments; familiarity with additional platforms (e.g., STK, Simulink) is an advantage.
- Strong programming and scripting skills using languages and tools such as Python and MATLAB.
- Experience with systems engineering methodologies and tools, including SysML and Cameo, to enhance cross-domain analysis and design.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills are essential, enabling the clear and compelling delivery of technical content to diverse audiences.
- A customer-focused mindset with a demonstrated ability to develop innovative design solutions to complex technical challenges.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance required.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience modeling and simulating ISR, autonomy, electronic warfare, or contested operations.
- Understanding of military concepts of operations (CONOPS) and multi-domain operations.
- Background in agent-based modeling, campaign-level analysis, or wargaming.
- Demonstrated technical leadership credentials, such as a Professional Engineering License, original publications in professional journals, or experience presenting original work at engineering symposiums.
Salary range: 98,100 - 171,398