How to hire a simulation developer

How to hire a simulation developer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step simulation developer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a simulation developer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new simulation developer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a simulation developer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a simulation developer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a simulation developer that fits the bill.

   This list presents simulation developer salaries for various positions.

   Type of Simulation Developer	Description	Hourly rate
   Simulation Developer	Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device... Show more	$34-62
   Developer/Consultant	A developer/consultant is responsible for developing system databases and applications, depending on the business' needs and clients' specifications. Developers/consultants design their services to manage optimal performance and maximize productivity for timely submission of projects, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty... Show more	$34-64
   Lead Software Developer	A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface... Show more	$41-72

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • C++
   • Python
   • Software Development
   • Windows
   • Java
   • Visualization
   • MATLAB
   • Architecture
   • Simulation Software
   • Animation
   • Simulation Development
   • Debugging
   • Unix
   • Missile

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead the MATLAB development team to build MATLAB capability for modeling tool integration and standalone analysis.
   • Conduct market research, develop partnerships, manage financial administration, and negotiate IP licensing.
   • Utilize an expert knowledge of JavaScript, HTML and CSS to deliver advance GUI and controls.
   • Develop web-base training simulation using HTML, CSS, JavaScript and XML.
   • Validate the simulated results through Matlab coding.
   • Subject matter expert in code of debugging and troubleshooting simulation media.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your simulation developer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A simulation developer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, simulation developers' average salary in south dakota is 35% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level simulation developers earn 45% less than senior-level simulation developers.
   • Certifications. A simulation developer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a simulation developer's salary.

   Average simulation developer salary

   $96,923yearly

   $46.60 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level simulation developer salary

   $72,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 20, 2026

4. Writing a simulation developer job description

   A good simulation developer job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a simulation developer job description:

   Simulation developer job description example

   Time Type: Full time
   Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Secret
   
   Employee Type: Regular
   
   Percentage of Travel Required:
   
   Type of Travel:
   
   What You'll Get to Do:
   
   Candidate would be actively involved in the development and simulation of hydrodynamics and fluid algorithms for current and future submarine platforms and manned/unmanned underwater/autonomous vehicle ship control systems.
   
   More About the Role:
   
   Review current/planned design of system and determine the effects control surface and fluid movements will have on the performance of the vehicle. Develop and test algorithms to properly control system based on mission requirements.
   
   You'll Bring These Qualifications:
   
   Ideally would like someone in the 10+ year range who can jump in straight away. Willing to entertain any level with right credentials and attitude they want to learn. Strong background in the engineering physics of hydrodynamics and/or Strong Fluids and/or control theory or in the nav arch type hydrodynamics background
   
   What We Can Offer You:
   
   - We've been named a Best Place to Work by the Washington Post.
   
   - Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives.
   
   - We offer competitive benefits and learning and development opportunities.
   
   - We are mission-oriented and ever vigilant in aligning our solutions with the nation's highest priorities.
   
   - For over 55 years, the principles of CACI's unique, character-based culture have been the driving force behind our success.
   
   Company Overview: At CACI, you will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact by providing information solutions and services in support of national security missions and government transformation for Intelligence, Defense, and Federal Civilian customers. CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
   
   As a federal contractor, CACI is subject to any federal vaccine mandates or other customer vaccination requirements. All new hires are required to report their vaccination status.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right simulation developer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your simulation developer job on Zippia to find and attract quality simulation developer candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting simulation developers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   Sometimes, it's not enough to interview simulation developer candidates, so you can ask them to do a test project. If you are not a technical person and don't know what a test project should be, you can use these websites:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new simulation developer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the simulation developer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new simulation developer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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