Senior Software Engineer

Modeling & Simulation Engineer - Operations AnalysisLocation: Hawthorne, CA- 20 minutes from LAXOnsite requirements: 4 days onsite (Mon-Thurs)Engagement: 6 month contract to hire (with top performers converting earlier)Contract type: W2 - with benefits (healthcare, dental, vision, 401k)We are seeking a highly capable Modeling & Simulation Engineer – Operations Analysis to join our growing engineering team. In this role, you will develop, execute, and analyze high-fidelity simulations that evaluate the performance and effectiveness of advanced aerospace, defense, and autonomous systems in operationally relevant environments.Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, Data Science, or a related technical discipline.5+ years of experience supporting defense, intelligence, aerospace, or advanced technology programs.Demonstrated experience performing quantitative analysis using modeling, simulation, statistical methods, and data-driven decision-making techniques.Strong programming skills in Python and MATLAB, including experience with scientific computing, data analysis, machine learning, and visualization libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Polars, Scikit-Learn, PyTorch, Matplotlib, or equivalent toolsets.Experience developing analytical software tools, data pipelines, and automated workflows.Strong understanding of statistical analysis, uncertainty quantification, Monte Carlo methods, experimental design, and performance assessment methodologies.Experience developing or working with rigid-body and six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) simulations.Experience using modern software development practices, including version control, collaborative development workflows, and AI-assisted software development tools.Comfortable working in Linux-based development environments.Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.Preferred QualificationsDirect experience conducting operations analysis studies using mission-level combat simulations such as AFSIM, ESAMS, Brawler, STK, or equivalent defense-focused modeling environments.Strong background in assessing mission effectiveness through statistically rigorous analysis and operational experimentation.Experience analyzing radar system performance, sensor effectiveness, tracking performance, detection capabilities, and electronic warfare systems.Expertise in modeling and simulation of aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, missiles, spacecraft, communications systems, and advanced sensors.Experience evaluating air-to-air, air-to-surface, surface-to-air, electronic warfare, and multi-domain mission scenarios.Familiarity with Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), High-Level Architecture (HLA), and related simulation interoperability frameworks.Experience with visualization and simulation environments such as MAK VR-Forces, SIMDIS, or similar tools.Exposure to autonomy, Guidance Navigation & Control (GNC), PX4, software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), X-Plane, Gazebo, NVIDIA Omniverse, or related simulation ecosystems.Experience supporting Department of Defense organizations, intelligence agencies, DARPA, AFRL, ONR, Naval Research Laboratory, or similar government research and development organizations.Active TS/SCI security clearance.