Apply on Employer Site

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems · 23 hours ago

Autonomy Simulation Lead

Poway, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$141K/yr - $252K/yr

7+ years exp

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars. They are seeking a Principal Autonomy Simulation Lead to develop a high-fidelity simulation environment for Collaborative Combat Aircraft and multi-domain autonomy.

EnergyEnergy EfficiencyManufacturingWireless

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead the architecture and development of a next-generation high-fidelity simulation environment to enable autonomy development and evaluation for CCA

Design and implement physics-based models for aircraft dynamics, sensors, communications, EW, and contested environments

Drive integration of AI/ML autonomy stacks into simulation, supporting training, testing, and operational validation

Develop scalable multi-agent simulation frameworks to evaluate collaborative behaviors, mission planning, and kill chain execution

Leverage techniques and toolchains from the autonomous driving simulation ecosystem (e.g., sensor virtualization, synthetic environments, real-to-sim transfer)

Write, review, and maintain code in C++, Python, and related languages for modeling, simulation, and visualization

Implement scalable simulation pipelines using modern DevSecOps, cloud computing, and container orchestration frameworks

Interface with autonomy, mission engineering, and flight test teams to ensure simulation validity against real-world data

Collaborate with external vendors, government labs, and academic partners to accelerate capability maturation

Provide technical leadership in capture and proposal activities, including defining simulation architecture in white papers and program pitches

Mentor and grow a team of simulation engineers, software developers, and modelers

Ensure compliance with ITAR, export control, and cybersecurity requirements

Qualification

High-fidelity simulationC++PythonAI/ML integrationCloud computingMulti-agent simulationSimulation ToolsCommunicationTechnical leadership

Required

Typically requires a bachelors masters degree or PhD in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive machine learning experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent machine learning engineer experience in lieu of education

Demonstrated experience building and leading large-scale, high-fidelity simulation environments (defense, aerospace, or autonomous driving)

Hands-on proficiency with: Languages: C++, Python, Java; Simulation Tools/Frameworks: Unreal/Unity, Gazebo, Omniverse, AFSIM, STK, or similar; Physics/Modeling: Aerodynamics, sensor modeling (EO/IR, radar, EW), communication and networking; Cloud/Compute: Kubernetes, Docker, AWS/Azure GovCloud, GPU-accelerated compute; Visualization: Unreal Engine, Unity, Omniverse Isaac/Kit

Strong background in multi-agent simulation, synthetic environments, and human-machine teaming scenarios

Proven ability to deliver hands-on code and scalable architectures while leading cross-disciplinary teams

Excellent communication skills and experience presenting simulation roadmaps and demonstrations to senior DoW stakeholders

Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance is required (active TS/SCI strongly preferred)