Principal Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Worker Type Regular Job Description Principal Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Engineer: The Principal M&S Engineer is responsible for the creation, maturation, and operation of the M&S environment for missile programs within the Kinetic Air and Missile Defense Division. The role involves working in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment to solve complex engineering problems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in simulation development, system/subsystem modeling, software integration, and testing, along with hands-on experience in missile systems. This position will interact with Guidance and Control (GNC) Engineers to evaluate system performance and drive system requirements to maximize the capabilities of the system. The M&S PE will also work with the Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) engineering team to integrate/support the simulation use within the HWIL. These development efforts will generally be small focused design teams, which will require engineers to use a range of skills and tools across traditional engineering, computer science, and mathematical disciplines. Because of the nature of the development efforts, the engineer will need to work on a variety of stages of development including requirements definition, concept design, prototyping, detailed design, validation and verification testing. You will also need to be comfortable with supporting missile tests at remote sites, engaging in various testing and simulation activities to validate and enhance system performance. Position Responsibilities Personifies the AV pillar of “Innovation”. Develop and implement M&S environments for missile systems. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on software development and integration efforts, to include both suppliers and government customers. Execute testing, data collection, and analysis, including hardware-in-the-loop and multi-functional testing. Develop a 6DoF (Six Degrees of Freedom) modeling and simulation environment for performance validation, GNC development and HWIL integration. Assist in the development and execution of test plans and reports, presenting data to both large and small audiences. Ensure the application of best practices and standards in system design and testing. Develops and mentors high-performing engineering teams Partners with functional leaders to drive process improvements throughout the engineering development processes Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Master Degree or PhD in a Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering discipline (or equivalent). Experience with Defense products and customers, especially in C-UAS products Minimum of 10-15 years of demonstrated experience in M&S engineering, specifically in missile or aerospace systems Expertise in Simulation and Model development Experience in GNC algorithm development, including guidance, navigation, and autopilot algorithms Experience in an Agile and Waterfall development environment Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills Experience project planning in terms of schedule, budget, and resource estimations Exceptional leadership and management skills, with the ability to develop and communicate a vision that inspires and motivates staff and aligns with the business strategy Ability to build strong relationships within all disciplines within organization Effective influencing and negotiation skills in an environment in which resources may not be under your direct control Experienced and proficient with MS Office applications and other office productivity tools Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Follows standard practices and procedures when analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained. Completes assigned tasks within schedule and budget Shares ideas and experiences with others, solicits feedback and asks relevant questions Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills Team Player - Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees Physical Demands Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment Required to sit and stand for long periods (Frequent) Required to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) Travel required to domestic US sites - up to 10% Special Requirements U.S. Citizenship required Existing DoD Secret security clearance required Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S. Clearance Level Secret The salary range for this role is: $111,500 - $170,000 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements. Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. Careers at AeroVironment