Staff Mission and Operations Modeling and Simulation Engineer
Poway, California
Overview
General Atomics pioneers technologies with the potential to change the world. Behind a talented global team of engineers, GA delivers safe, sustainable, and economical solutions to meet growing global demands. Our Engineers have an opportunity to work on first of a kind product lines within an incredible, dynamic environment.
Engineering positions typically require a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience. Candidates from mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering backgrounds must know the fundamentals of engineering system developments, requirements, testing, and integration before getting to the final stages of customer interface and project management.
Schedule: Full-Time Salary
Job Level: Senior (8+ years)
Travel: 0 - 25
Success Profile
What makes a successful Staff Mission and Operations Modeling and Simulation Engineer at General Atomics? Check out the top traits we’re looking for and see if you have the right mix.
- Analytical
- Collaborative
- Inventive
- Problem Solver
- Team Player
- Creative
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:
- 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 Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, demonstrated by progressive engineering experience—defined as nine or more years with a Bachelor’s degree, seven or more years with a Master’s degree, or four or more years with a Ph.D. (equivalent engineering experience may be substituted in lieu of formal 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:$105,890 - $189,545
Benefits
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Healthcare
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Pension, 401(k)/Retirement Plans
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Competitive Pay
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Multiple product lines means a variety of work
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Paid Time Off

“The company is growing, has a very good reputation and had open positions in my area of expertise (aircraft design/design methodology development).”– Peter, Senior Staff Engineer

“We don't ascribe to quotas; we do ascribe to securing the BEST talent to enrich our culture toward healthy diversification and active/viable community service. We are STEM advocates.”– Debra, CSSBB: Staff Engineer

“Every day is different, with different problems to solve and many programs to support. I am a problem solver and have always been motivated by the tough questions.”– Scott, Laser Scientist

“I work in the Components Engineering and Obsolescence Management Dept. Our efforts are saving General Atomics several millions of dollars by proactively leading and informing the company of all these decisions which significantly impact production, sustainment and new designs.”– John, Staff Engineer
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