Principal Modeling and Simulation Engineer (L4)

About Zaden Technologies, Inc.

Join Zaden Technologies on our mission to simplify the delivery and improve the utility of software products for our customers. At Zaden, we believe that our employees are our greatest assets. We hire the right candidates with the right skill sets who fit our culture of customer obsession, innovation, and continuous learning. We are our customer’s biggest advocate and we are looking for like-minded individuals who encompass these same ideals. It is important to us to offer you competitive pay and comprehensive benefits with opportunities that match your life and propel your career!

Zaden Technologies is seeking a Principal Modeling and Simulation Engineer to lead multiple engineering teams in developing and maintaining cutting-edge air-defense simulation and training systems. This position will drive the architecture, development, and deployment of large-scale modeling and simulation platforms that support critical defense operations and training environments. The role involves leading cross-functional teams while providing hands-on technical expertise in complex simulation environments.

Role Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor multiple engineering teams in the design, development, and maintenance of advanced modeling and simulation systems
• Architect and implement scalable simulation platforms using C++, Python, AFSIM
• Design and develop cloud-based simulation environments leveraging AWS, Azure, and containerized deployments
• Lead full-stack development initiatives encompassing web services, databases, and user interfaces for simulation control systems
• Collaborate with government program managers and technical leads to translate operational requirements into technical solutions
• Oversee the sustainment, modernization, and migration of legacy simulation systems to next-generation platforms
• Integrate AI/ML/RL capabilities into simulation environments to enhance predictive analytics and behavioral modeling
• Manage agile development processes and ensure delivery of high-quality software artifacts
• Provide technical leadership in cybersecurity implementation and DevSecOps practices for simulation platforms
• Support military exercise planning and execution through advanced simulation capabilities

Required Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in software development with proficiency in C++, Python, and web application development
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and RESTful API architectures
• 2+ years of experience in military mission planning, operations, or wargaming environments
• 2+ years of experience with simulation training systems and Air Operations Center (AOC) environments
• Proven track record of leading software development teams and managing complex technical projects
• Strong background in full-stack development and modern agile methodologies
• Experience with database design, management, and optimization
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and secure coding practices

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active security clearance
• Master's degree in relevant technical field
• Experience with AFSIM (Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling)
• Knowledge of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber and Intelligence (C5ISR) systems
• Experience with AI/ML/RL implementation in simulation environments
• Familiarity with High Level Architecture (HLA) and Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) protocols
• Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, and containerized application deployment
• Knowledge of military operational planning and execution processes
• Experience with DevSecOps pipelines and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD)
• Background in system architecture design for large-scale di