Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Worker Type Regular Job Description AV is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer to join our Kinetic Effectors Group. This role will lead the Modeling and Simulation Team from requirements through development and oversight of flight software models for the Next Generation Counter Uncrewed Aerial System Missile (NGCM) in support of national defense objectives. You will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams, government customers, and suppliers to deliver cutting-edge solutions in a mission-critical environment. Key responsibilities for successful candidates: · The ideal candidate must have a proven background in analytical and engineering assessment, as well as experience with developing and utilizing modeling and simulation tools to perform trade studies, performance assessments, and conceptual performance studies of missile systems. · Support the GNC team in design, analysis, and implementation of GNC algorithms for missile systems including autopilot design, trajectory optimization, and navigation filters (e.g., Kalman filters). · Develop and validate 6-DOF (degrees of freedom) missile simulation models including aerodynamics, propulsion, and sensor models. · Support integration of GNC software with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations and flight hardware. · Work with missile system engineers to design, develop and use modeling and simulation tools to conduct trade studies, performance assessments, and conceptual design studies across the missile mission space · Shape missile test and evaluation activities to include scenario development, operations and pre/post flight analysis · Lead and contribute to mission analysis efforts for system verification and validation · Analyze system performance under various mission scenarios and environmental conditions. · Collaborate with systems, software, hardware, and test engineers throughout the full missile development lifecycle to include guidance, navigation, control, propulsion, seekers, and warhead systems. · Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and peer review within the GNC team. · Prepare and present technical documentation, reports, and design reviews for internal and external stakeholders. · Oversee system verification and validation, including support of test planning, execution, and analysis. · Participate in proposal development, including assisting with plans and specifications. · Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to advise government and contractor partners on engineering challenges and design trades · Produce reports and presentations to communicate study results to team members and government partners Required: · Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline. · 8-12 years of relevant professional experience (with a bachelor's degree). · Candidate must be a U.S. citizen with an active Secret security clearance, but exceptional candidates with the ability to successfully undergo government screening to obtain the appropriate level of clearance will also be considered. · Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, and simulation tools for GNC development, 6-DOF, and Monte-Carlo simulation. · Have experience working with and developing modeling and simulation tools · Have familiarity with flight vehicle physics and dynamics · Have experience developing simulations for mission (medium fidelity) and engineering-level (high-fidelity) studies · Have experience with verification and validation of M&S tools · Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing is essential. · Must be proficient in use Microsoft business tools including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint · Candidate should: 1) be extremely organized with strong multi-tasking and time-management skills, 2) have experience as part of a cohesive team and be able to deliver the highest quality service, 3) be able to handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality. · Ability to travel to support supplier reviews, customer meetings, and test events. Preferred Qualifications: · Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline. · Have experience with Software in the Loop (SWIL) and/or Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) simulations · Experienced working in classified computing environments. Clearance Level Secret The salary range for this role is: $133,500 - $203,750 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