Modeling and Simulation Group Lead

Job Overview

The Modeling and Simulation Lead to drive the development, implementation, and optimization of simulation models that support decision-making, system analysis, and performance evaluation. This role involves leading a team of engineers and analysts to develop high-fidelity models, conduct simulations, and analyze results to enhance system design, optimize operations, and support strategic initiatives.

Essential Functions

• Lead the development and execution of advanced modeling and simulation efforts to support system design, testing, and performance evaluation.
• Oversee and make architectural decisions influencing the creation, validation, and verification of simulation models to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, data science, flight test, production, and operations, to integrate modeling and simulation into decision-making processes for all stakeholders.
• Develop and refine algorithms, computational models, and analytical frameworks to address complex technical challenges.
• Analyze simulation results, generate insights, and provide recommendations to stakeholders.
• Manage model development lifecycles, including requirements gathering, implementation, validation, and continuous improvement.
• Identify and implement best practices in simulation methodologies, tools, and frameworks.
• Ensure scalability, robustness, and efficiency of models for real-world applications.
• Design and modify simulation to provide seamless interoperability with other customer simulation frameworks
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to a team of modelers, analysts, and engineers.
• Manage subcontractors assigning work and providing guidance to reach end goals
• Communicate findings, technical concepts, and recommendations effectively through reports, presentations, and visualizations.
• Stay up to date with advancements in modeling, simulation, and computational techniques to drive innovation and efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Strong proficiency in C++, C#, Python or other programming languages
• In-depth expertise in messaging frameworks such as DDS, ZeroMQ, and ROS, with a strong understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, and publish-subscribe communication models
• Well-versed in creating and modifying containers and container networks with Docker, Kubernetes, or similar containerization technologies.
• Adept at developing and deploying simulations on both Windows and Linux, ensuring compatibility, performance optimization, and seamless interoperability across operating systems.
• Strong foundation integrating hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) systems
• Understanding of real-time simulation requirements such as reducing latency and synchronization with hardware systems.
• Exposure to faster-than-real-time simulation techniques, including Monte Carlo methods for system validation.
• Familiarity with Agile and DevOps methodologies.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) simulation enhancements is preferred.
• Familiarity with aerospace simulation tools and autopilot systems such as ArduPilot, PX4, FlightGear, X-Plane, and JSBSim is a plus.
• Champions AEVEX’s culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals.
• Engages employees by creating a climate in which they want to do their best.
• Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management.
• Maintains employee work schedules.
• Provides oversight and direction to the employees in accordance with AEVEX’s policies and procedures.
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to a team of modelers, analysts, and engineers.
• Manage subcontractors as a part of the team; assigning work and providing guidance to reach end goals

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience

• A minimum of 8+ years of relevant work experience in system engineering, design, analysis, and test
• Experience with simulation environments such as Gazebo, Unreal Engine, Unity, Nvidia Omniverse, OpenSim, JSBSim or other proprietary simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of simulation software engineering, data analysis, and computational modeling.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other industries requiring advanced modeling and simulation.
• Experience in designing and integrating APIs for simulation frameworks using REST, gRPC, WebSockets, or other communication protocols.
• Experience with hardware communication protocols like UART, I2C, CAN, SPI
• Experience with Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or similar pipeline validation tools.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

• Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment
• Frequently required repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

Disclaimer

AEVEX Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

About AEVEX Aerospace

AEVEX Aerospace, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

AEVEX Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.