Principal MS&A Engineer

Position Overview: The Principal Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for designing, developing, and delivering advanced modeling and simulation solutions across multi‑domain mission environments. The role requires deep subject‑matter expertise in AFSIM, mission engineering, system architecture analysis, and operational modeling for space, air, and integrated defense systems. The Principal Engineer applies advanced principles, theories, and concepts to architect analytic environments, guide technical teams, and ensure high‑fidelity results aligned with customer objectives. This position leads complex programs, mentors technical staff, interfaces with senior government stakeholders, and independently executes work with substantial autonomy. The role combines advanced M&S technical leadership with operational program management and team oversight. The ideal candidate is a systems engineer and analyst with hands-on experience designing, developing, and building and integrating MS&A models to support lifecycle planning, predictive analytics, and mission validation using state-of-the-art simulation environments. Roles and Responsibilities: Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: Technical Leadership & Advanced M&S Execution Lead medium‑to‑large‑scale AFSIM mission modeling efforts for United States Air Force (USAF) and Department of War (DoW) customers. Architect high‑fidelity simulation environments capturing multi‑domain interactions including C5ISRT, long‑range kill chains, collaborative autonomy, integrated air defenses, and space mission resiliency. Design and execute modeling of space‑based kinetic and non‑kinetic conflict scenarios; define modeling fidelity, scope, methodology, and data sourcing. Lead operational modeling projects, ensuring consistent methods, validated models, and quality deliverables across multiple study teams. Build 3D models, interactive environments, and visualization products to support mission planning, CONOPS development, and senior‑level decision briefings. Develop and refine system and system‑of‑systems architectures using advanced simulation to inform resiliency, survivability, and performance trade studies. Conduct mission‑level, engagement‑level, and system‑level analysis using AFSIM, government tools, and commercial platforms. Customer Engagement & Program Representation Independently interface with senior government representatives to refine tasking, present results, define modeling requirements, and provide technical recommendations. Attend summits, conferences, and cross‑agency meetings to communicate technical findings and maintain awareness of emerging USAF and DoW modeling needs. Ensure task‑level products align with overall program strategy, customer timelines, and required analytic rigor. Team Leadership & Workforce Development Serve as tasking lead and technical mentor for modeling teams of 2–3 engineers per study; coordinate efforts across CONOPS, MBSE, architecture, and M&S teams. Manage day‑to‑day work assignments for project leads; balance workload and tasking across multi‑project environments. Ability to supervise teams of 10+ direct reports and multiple sub‑teams, providing performance feedback, career growth guidance, and professional development. Act as hiring manager for M&S teams, driving talent strategy, interviews, selection, onboarding, and long‑term workforce planning. Provide training, career guidance, and cross‑functional development opportunities for M&S personnel and technical contributors. Lead enterprise workforce development initiatives including AFLCMC/EB, OUSW R&E and DoW. Cross‑Domain Modeling & Specialized Capabilities Create detailed 3D facility models and interactive simulation environments for mission planning, training, and contingency response. Conduct facility risk analysis, infrastructure assessments, and force‑on‑force modeling using government and commercial simulation tools. Automate simulation workflows using scripting languages (C#, Python, JavaScript, MATLAB) to improve analytical efficiency. Required Skills: Expert proficiency with AFSIM and advanced mission‑level modeling of multi‑domain systems. Strong expertise creating and validating models and simulations across space, air, and integrated defense environments. Ability to break complex operational problems into structured analytic components, prioritize tasks, and assign technical resources appropriately. Recognized subject‑matter expertise in C5ISRT, system architecture definition, and mission engineering. Ability to anticipate technical risks, propose mitigation strategies, and maintain analytic integrity across diverse M&S frameworks. Strong communication skills enabling clear delivery of complex simulation results to senior external customers. Experience managing and mentoring teams of junior engineers and analysts. Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline. 8+ years of experience developing multi‑domain, space, weapon‑system, and mission‑level M&S. Experience across multiple simulation frameworks (i.e. AFSIM, ESAMs, CFAM). Experience supporting multiple USAF and DoW customers including AFLCMC, AFRL, OUSW R&E, SCO, and DARPA. TS/SCI clearance required; SAP eligibility desired. This position requires 100% customer location work (Eglin AFB, FL)—Work from home opportunities are possible but limited with this position. U.S. Citizenship required. #mtsi #mtsijobs Top Secret Perks and Benefits Vacation: New Hires Accrue 20 days of PTO and 10 Holidays per Year Health Insurance: Zero Deductible Health Plans Flexible Schedules: Flex Schedules Professional Development: Up to $10,000 Annual Education/Training Reimbursement ESOP: Funded Stock Ownership Plan 401k Match+: 6% 401k Match + Immediate Vesting Bonus Program: Semi-Annual Bonus Opportunity Mentorship: Career Mentorship Programs Why is MTSI a great place to work Interesting Work: Our co-workers support some of the most important and critical programs to our national defense and security. Values: Our first core value is that employees come first. We challenge our co-workers to provide the highest level of support and service, and reward them with some of the best benefits in the industry. 100% Employee Owned: We have a stake in each other's success, and the success of our customers. It's also nice to know what's going on across the company; we have company wide town-hall meetings three times a year. Great Benefits - Most Full-Time Staff Are Eligible for: Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/year Flexible schedules 6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annually Semi-annual bonus eligibility (July and Decemeber) Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement account Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement Other company funded benefits, like life and disability insurance Optional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan Track Record of Success: We have grown every year since our founding in 1993. Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employee-owned engineering services and solutions company that provides high-demand technical expertise in Digital Transformation, Modeling and Simulation, Rapid Capability Development, Test and Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Cybersecurity and Mission Assurance MTSI delivers capabilities to solve problems of global importance. Founded in 1993, MTSI today has employees at over 20 offices and field sites worldwide. For more information about MTSI, please visitwww.mtsi-va.com EEO Statement MTSI embraces nine core values including our first core value of Employees come first. Consistent with our Core Values, we are committed to Equal Opportunity, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. MTSI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with physical and/or mental disabilities. Why is MTSI a great place to work Interesting Work: Our co-workers support some of the most important and critical programs to our national defense and security. Values: Our first core value is that employees come first. We challenge our co-workers to provide the highest level of support and service, and reward them with some of the best benefits in the industry. 100% Employee Owned: We have a stake in each other's success, and the success of our customers. It's also nice to know what's going on across the company; we have company wide town-hall meetings three times a year. Great Benefits - Most Full-Time Staff Are Eligible for: Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/year Flexible schedules 6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annually Semi-annual bonus eligibility (July and Decemeber) Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement account Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement Other company funded benefits, like life and disability insurance Optional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan Track Record of Success: We have grown every year since our founding in 1993. Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employee-owned engineering services and solutions company that provides high-demand technical expertise in Digital Transformation, Modeling and Simulation, Rapid Capability Development, Test and Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Cybersecurity and Mission Assurance MTSI delivers capabilities to solve problems of global importance. Founded in 1993, MTSI today has employees at over 20 offices and field sites worldwide. For more information about MTSI, please visit www.mtsi-va.com