Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs
Senior Simulation Engineer jobs are open across aerospace, defense, automotive, and medical device industries, from mid-level to principal and staff, with specializations in computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, and multi-body dynamics. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.
The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.
With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
You will build the modeling and simulation capabilities that let us design, verify, and operate spacecraft for demanding national security missions. You will simulate and verify the software that flies and orchestrates some of the largest satellites ever flown, and model how those systems perform against real mission objectives, threats, and operational constraints. As a senior member of the team, you will drive solutions end-to-end across the software stack, make changes to vehicle control software where needed, set technical direction, and mentor other engineers.
In your first 3 months you will generalize our simulation tools to operate in classified contexts, modeling multiple spacecraft and mission profiles, demonstrating robust performance in contested and demanding environments. In your first 6 months you will design many-agent, mission-level simulations and tools for operating entire constellations, directly informing mission assurance and critical company and program decisions.
This role supports classified national security programs. Work is performed on-site in a secure environment and requires an active TS/SCI clearance and US citizenship.
Responsibilities
- Develop mission-level modeling and simulation of national security space missions, capturing operational objectives, environments, and constraints.
- Model and analyze constellation-level capability and performance against mission requirements, including network coverage, beam planning, and resilience in contested environments.
- Support work on classified programs in accordance with all applicable security requirements.
- Create and maintain simulation software infrastructure for our 20kW+ spacecraft.
- Develop physics-based software models of spacecraft subsystems, including propulsion, attitude control, power, and communications systems.
- Create and utilize robust tools to allow for rapid deployment of quality code.
- Perform data analysis and anomaly investigation to identify and resolve on-orbit problems.
- Support integration and testing of spacecraft subsystems.
- Set technical direction, review designs and code, and mentor junior engineers.
Qualifications
Active U.S. government security clearance (any level), or a clearance held within the last 12 months, and US Citizenship
- Prior experience working on classified national security programs and in secure/SCIF environments, including familiarity with handling classified information and program security protocols.
- Bachelor's degree in physics, aerospace/mechanical/electrical engineering, computer science, math, or a STEM field
- 5+ years of professional modeling and simulation experience.
- Development experience in Rust, C++, or similar compiled language.
- Experience using scientific Python (NumPy, SciPy, etc.), Julia, MATLAB, or similar.
- Demonstrated ability to own complex systems end-to-end and guide the work of other engineers.
Nice to Have
- Master's or PhD in physics, aerospace/mechanical/electrical engineering, computer science, math, or a STEM field.
- Experience with mission-level or campaign-level modeling and simulation for defense or national security applications.
- Facility communicating intuition and expertise effectively to stakeholders.
- Experience working in Rust production environments.
- Experience defining and creating simulation systems.
- Experience with Monte Carlo simulations and probability/statistics.
- Experience with linear algebra, controls, and/or orbital mechanics.
- Experience with space communication modeling (RF, ground stations).
- Basic knowledge of electronics, Linux, and computer architecture.
- Experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery systems.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $160,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company
- Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
- Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.
The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.
With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
You will build the modeling and simulation capabilities that let us design, verify, and operate spacecraft for demanding national security missions. You will simulate and verify the software that flies and orchestrates some of the largest satellites ever flown, and model how those systems perform against real mission objectives, threats, and operational constraints. As a senior member of the team, you will drive solutions end-to-end across the software stack, make changes to vehicle control software where needed, set technical direction, and mentor other engineers.
In your first 3 months you will generalize our simulation tools to operate in classified contexts, modeling multiple spacecraft and mission profiles, demonstrating robust performance in contested and demanding environments. In your first 6 months you will design many-agent, mission-level simulations and tools for operating entire constellations, directly informing mission assurance and critical company and program decisions.
This role supports classified national security programs. Work is performed on-site in a secure environment and requires an active TS/SCI clearance and US citizenship.
Responsibilities
- Develop mission-level modeling and simulation of national security space missions, capturing operational objectives, environments, and constraints.
- Model and analyze constellation-level capability and performance against mission requirements, including network coverage, beam planning, and resilience in contested environments.
- Support work on classified programs in accordance with all applicable security requirements.
- Create and maintain simulation software infrastructure for our 20kW+ spacecraft.
- Develop physics-based software models of spacecraft subsystems, including propulsion, attitude control, power, and communications systems.
- Create and utilize robust tools to allow for rapid deployment of quality code.
- Perform data analysis and anomaly investigation to identify and resolve on-orbit problems.
- Support integration and testing of spacecraft subsystems.
- Set technical direction, review designs and code, and mentor junior engineers.
Qualifications
Active U.S. government security clearance (any level), or a clearance held within the last 12 months, and US Citizenship
- Prior experience working on classified national security programs and in secure/SCIF environments, including familiarity with handling classified information and program security protocols.
- Bachelor's degree in physics, aerospace/mechanical/electrical engineering, computer science, math, or a STEM field
- 5+ years of professional modeling and simulation experience.
- Development experience in Rust, C++, or similar compiled language.
- Experience using scientific Python (NumPy, SciPy, etc.), Julia, MATLAB, or similar.
- Demonstrated ability to own complex systems end-to-end and guide the work of other engineers.
Nice to Have
- Master's or PhD in physics, aerospace/mechanical/electrical engineering, computer science, math, or a STEM field.
- Experience with mission-level or campaign-level modeling and simulation for defense or national security applications.
- Facility communicating intuition and expertise effectively to stakeholders.
- Experience working in Rust production environments.
- Experience defining and creating simulation systems.
- Experience with Monte Carlo simulations and probability/statistics.
- Experience with linear algebra, controls, and/or orbital mechanics.
- Experience with space communication modeling (RF, ground stations).
- Basic knowledge of electronics, Linux, and computer architecture.
- Experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery systems.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $160,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company
- Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
- Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsSenior Simulation Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Science & Research
- Aerospace & Defense
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior simulation engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline
- Proficiency in at least one major simulation platform such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or Nastran
- Five or more years of experience running and validating high-fidelity simulation models
- Demonstrated experience with model correlation to physical test data
- Familiarity with scripting or automation using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools
- Experience working within product development cycles in aerospace, automotive, or defense
Tips for Your Senior Simulation Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to solver tools
Hiring managers scan for the specific simulation solvers you know, whether ANSYS, Abaqus, MATLAB, or Simulink. List the version or module where relevant and tie each tool to a project outcome, not just a task.
Quantify model validation results
Vague claims about simulation accuracy get skipped. Replace phrases like 'improved model fidelity' with specifics about error reduction, correlation to test data, or how your results influenced a design decision upstream.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists senior simulation engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by physics domain
Structural, thermal, fluid, and controls simulation are distinct specializations. Filter openings by the physics domain you know deepest so you're not competing against candidates with unrelated solver expertise in the same application pool.
Prepare a technical portfolio before interviews
Many senior simulation engineer interviews include a case study or a live review of past models. Have two or three documented examples ready that show your mesh strategy, boundary condition choices, and how results were validated against physical tests.
Negotiate scope before accepting an offer
Ask specifically about hardware access, HPC cluster allocation, and whether the role includes experimental correlation work. Senior simulation engineers often find that day-to-day scope differs significantly from the job description once they start.
Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most senior simulation engineers?
The companies hiring the most senior simulation engineers right now include Northrop Grumman, Amazon, and NVIDIA, with the largest share of openings in California, Massachusetts, and Alabama, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is concentrated in aerospace, defense, and automotive manufacturing sectors.
How many senior simulation engineer jobs are remote?
About 40% of senior simulation engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, making it a less remote-heavy role than purely software-focused engineering positions. Controls and system-level simulation roles tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while structural and physical test-correlation roles more often require on-site access to hardware and lab data.
How do you become a senior simulation engineer?
Start with a degree in mechanical, aerospace, or a closely related engineering field, then build hands-on experience running simulations in at least one major platform like ANSYS or Abaqus. Move into increasingly complex projects that require model validation against physical test data, develop scripting skills to automate workflows, and build a record of influencing design decisions with your analysis results.
Can you get hired as a senior simulation engineer with limited experience?
It's difficult to land a senior-level role without substantial hands-on simulation experience, but you can close gaps by focusing on a specific physics domain where your background is strongest, building a documented portfolio of models you've run and validated, and targeting smaller companies or government contractors where simulation teams are lean and breadth of contribution matters more than pure seniority.
What does the senior simulation engineer interview process look like?
Most processes include an initial screening call focused on your simulation background and tool experience, followed by a technical interview where you walk through past projects in detail, including your modeling approach and how results were validated. Many employers add a take-home or live case study that tests your ability to set up a model, justify your assumptions, and interpret results under realistic constraints.
Where can I find and apply to senior simulation engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to senior simulation engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find the roles that match your physics domain, toolset, and industry background, then apply directly to each listing.
See All 117+ Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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