Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer, Principal/Senior Principal

Northrop Grumman

. Model operational environments and perform trade studies via computer simulation .

Posted 11/8/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesSenior💰 $114,000 - $213,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in modeling operational environments and mission effectiveness analysis using system-of-systems modeling tools. Proficient in developing adversarial behavioral models and conducting trade studies to assess operational effectiveness in military contexts.

Highest-signal resume keywords

MATLAB ProficiencyProject And Analysis Lead ExperienceThreat Modeling And Adversarial Behavior AnalysisActive US Government Secret ClearanceModel Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Familiarity

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Object-Oriented ProgrammingPythonC++JavaPhysics-Based ModelingSimulation DevelopmentMission EngineeringTactics, Techniques, And Procedures (TTP) DevelopmentOperational Effectiveness AssessmentComplex Scenario Development

Soft Skills

Stakeholder CommunicationTeam LeadershipData Synthesis

Tools & Technologies

AFSIMSuppressorBrawlerVersion Control ToolsGithubBitbucketCI/CD Pipelines

Certifications & Qualifications

Active US Government Secret ClearanceTop Secret Clearance EligibilitySpecial Access Program (SAP) Clearance Eligibility

Industry Keywords

Military SystemsMission-Level ModelsRed/Blue CONOPSSurvivability AssessmentsLethality AssessmentsNavigation/Position, Navigation & Timing (PNT)Rapid Prototyping Environment

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

JavaPythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Model operational environments and perform trade studies via computer simulation
Develop capabilities and perform mission effectiveness analysis using system-of-systems modeling tools such as AFSIM, Suppressor, or Brawler
Create and apply Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) to support blue/red kill chains across security environments, programs, architectures, and platforms
Provide blue/red tactics and CONOPS modeling, simulation, and analysis in mission-level models
Perform mission engineering activities through the Systems Engineering “V”
Trade new systems and architectures against cost and mission requirements
Develop operationally relevant mission scenarios
Assess operational effectiveness of existing and emerging systems and capabilities
Solicit stakeholder input, synthesize data, and communicate results to leadership
Present complex study results to internal leadership and senior USG personnel
Develop and integrate adversarial behavioral models in AFSIM
Serve as project and capability development lead for teams of up to 6 people
Support prototype efforts for next-generation capabilities in Research and Advanced Development

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 5 years of relevant military/professional experience, or a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 3 years of relevant military/professional experience, or a PhD and at least 1 year of relevant military/professional/academic experience for Principal Engineer level
Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 8 years of relevant military/professional experience, or a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 6 years of relevant military/professional experience, or a PhD and at least 4 years of relevant military/professional experience for Senior Principal Engineer level
Proficient in MATLAB
Project and analysis lead experience
Experience in at least one of: threat modeling and adversarial behavior analysis; survivability and lethality assessments; red and blue CONOPS and TTP development; navigation/Position, Navigation & Timing (PNT)
Active US Government Secret or higher clearance, with background investigation completed within the last 6 years or current enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Top Secret clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
Ability to develop physics-based models and simulations using object-oriented programming principles in MATLAB, Python, C++, or Java
Demonstrated ability to work in a rapid prototyping environment
Ability to develop models or software capabilities representing complex or abstract physical phenomena
Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and system architecture integration
Experience with operational military systems
Experience with version control tools such as Github or Bitbucket
Experience operating within CI/CD pipelines and version-controlled, team-based environments
Proficiency in additional object-oriented languages and modeling/simulation of radars, missiles, IADS, air and space platforms

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Overtime eligibility may apply
Shift differential may apply
Discretionary bonus eligibility
Health insurance coverage
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Savings plan
Company paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business