Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Lead

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Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions.

The IFPC Inc 2 Launcher Program is seeking a strategic and results-driven Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Lead to develop and execute a tactical performance roadmap, build and lead an in-house simulations and performance analysis team, and ensure the delivery of advanced M&S solutions supporting system design, analysis, and verification. The M&S Lead will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, program management, and external stakeholders to meet program objectives and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create a strategic tactical performance roadmap for the IFPC Inc 2 Launcher Program.

• Develop a detailed plan for establishing an in-house simulations and performance analysis team, including schedule and budget estimation.

• Lead the effort to staff and build the performance analysis team, including recruiting, onboarding, and team development.

• Oversee the development, integration, and application of modeling and simulation solutions for system performance, mission analysis, and trade studies.

• Ensure M&S products are aligned with program goals, technical requirements, and customer expectations.

• Collaborate with engineering, program management, and external stakeholders to ensure effective communication and integration of M&S activities.

• Provide leadership in planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for M&S tasks.

• Present technical information and strategic plans to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and customers.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field with 8+ years of experience or 6+ years with MS degree.

• 5+ years of experience in modeling and simulation for complex defense or aerospace systems.

• Demonstrated understanding of industry-standard M&S tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, AFSIM, STK, or similar), including scope and limitations.

• Experience in planning, schedule development, budget estimation, and team-building.

• Proven ability to lead and work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.

• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Preferred Requirements:

• Master’s degree or higher in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

• 8+ years of experience in modeling and simulation for defense, missile, launcher, or related weapon system programs.

• Prior experience leading teams responsible for performance analysis or modeling and simulation.

• Experience supporting missile defense, launcher, or related weapon system programs.

• Familiarity with verification, validation, and accreditation (VV&A) processes for M&S.

• Prior experience working with government customers and understanding of DoD acquisition processes.

• Previous management experience in a matrixed engineering organization.

• Active DoD Secret or higher security clearance.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

July 30, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.