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Contract Flight Simulation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$142K - $235K/yr

Software Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To ... flight software running on a flight computer or automobile simulation integrated with on-board ...

Collaborate with systems engineers to define simulation objectives based on technical requirements ... Exposure to flight simulators or pilot-in-the-loop testing. Compensation: Our compensation package ...

The lead simulation engineer will be responsible for directing the technical work of the simulation ... flight software running on a flight computer or automobile simulation integrated with on-board ...

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Contract Flight Simulation Engineer information

See salary details

$39K

$123.4K

$190.5K

How much do contract flight simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract flight simulation engineer in the United States is $123,399.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,000.00 and $146,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Flight Simulation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Flight Simulation Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, computer science, or a related field, with expertise in flight dynamics, simulation modeling, and software development. Familiarity with simulation platforms (such as MATLAB/Simulink, C++, or Python), avionics systems, and relevant certifications like FAA or EASA standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills set top performers apart in project-driven environments. These competencies ensure accurate simulation development, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, which are critical for delivering reliable flight training solutions.

What is a Contract Flight Simulation Engineer?

A Contract Flight Simulation Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains flight simulator systems on a temporary or project-based contract. They work with software and hardware to create realistic flight training environments for pilots and aviation professionals. Their responsibilities may include integrating simulation components, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Contract roles allow companies to leverage specialized expertise for specific projects without permanent hiring.

What is the difference between Contract Flight Simulation Engineer vs Contract Avionics Engineer?

AspectContract Flight Simulation EngineerContract Avionics Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in aerospace, engineering, or related field; certifications like FAA or EASA preferredBachelor's or higher in electrical, aerospace, or systems engineering; relevant certifications often required
Work EnvironmentSimulation labs, aerospace companies, defense contractorsAircraft maintenance facilities, aerospace manufacturing, defense contractors
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, defense, and simulation trainingAircraft manufacturing, maintenance, and systems integration

The Contract Flight Simulation Engineer focuses on developing and testing flight simulation systems, while the Contract Avionics Engineer specializes in aircraft electronic systems. Both roles require engineering expertise and often collaborate within aerospace projects, but they differ in their specific technical focus and work environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Flight Simulation Engineers when integrating new simulation technologies into existing systems?

Contract Flight Simulation Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies into legacy simulation environments. These can include compatibility issues with existing hardware and software, ensuring data accuracy for realistic flight modeling, and meeting strict regulatory or client requirements. Additionally, as contractors, they may need to quickly adapt to different team structures and workflows at each client site. Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to troubleshooting are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering seamless simulation experiences.
More about Contract Flight Simulation Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Flight Simulation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Flight Simulation Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Contract Flight Simulation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Flight Simulation Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Flight Simulation Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 21% Full Time, and 78% Part Time. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,399 per year, or $59.3 per hour.
Modeling, Simulation & Analysis (MSA) Engineer - HITL Focus

Modeling, Simulation & Analysis (MSA) Engineer - HITL Focus

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE JOB
We are looking for a Modeling, Simulation and Analysis Engineer to join our team. As part of the team you will have the opportunity to develop, implement and maintain sufficient fidelity virtual representations of the myriad of different vehicles Anduril works on. In this role you will be required to develop and coordinate deployment and maintenance of vehicle models and simulation instantiations for various programs ongoing at Anduril. A critical aspect of this role involves owning and operating Hardware-In-The-Loop (HITL) simulation environments that enable safe, rapid iteration of flight control and autonomy software with real avionics hardware before live flight tests.
The ideal candidate has experience working on aerospace systems and understands the right fidelity of sub-system and system level modeling required to integrate with the broader flight control and mission autonomy software to support development. In addition the candidate should be versed in coding and software integration practices. Experience with HITL operations, including real-time simulation, avionics integration, and closed-loop testing with physical hardware is highly valued. If you have a passion for flight and like the idea of building a physics based digital representation of a flying vehicle and testing it with real hardware, this is the role for you!
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Work on challenging problems in a fast-paced environment from across our portfolio of programs and products:
  • Simulation solutions for Guidance, Navigation and Control algorithm development
  • Software-In-The-Loop (SITL) solutions
  • Hardware-In-The-Loop (HITL) solutions
  • Customer product training solutions
  • Monte-Carlo simulation analysis
  • Simulation and Test data analysis tools and processes
  • Design, develop, deploy, and maintain HITL simulation infrastructure for complex aerospace systems, including real-time vehicle models, avionics emulation, and sensor simulation environments
  • Own the end-to-end configuration and operation of SITL and HITL environments for test vehicles, ensuring safe and efficient flight test execution
  • Coordinate and execute HITL test campaigns, working closely with flight test teams to validate GNC algorithms, mission autonomy software, and vehicle performance prior to live flights
  • Develop and maintain emulated interfaces for on-board avionics systems to enable closed-loop hardware testing in simulation environments
  • Troubleshoot and resolve real-time simulation issues during HITL operations, including timing constraints, hardware interface problems, and model fidelity discrepancies
  • Work with multi-disciplinary subject matter experts to understand and adequately model pertinent sub-system, system and system of system dynamics
  • Work with internal and external customers to understand simulation requirements and develop efficient modeling and simulation solutions
  • Support flight test operations with pre-flight simulation validation and post-flight data correlation analysis to continuously improve model fidelity

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or related technical discipline
  • Senior Modeling Simulation Engineer: 8 or more years of experience in Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis engineering or related technical experience
  • Modeling Simulation Engineer: 3 or more years of experience in Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis engineering or related technical experience
  • Experience with aerospace/aeronautical systems (including rotorcraft/VTOL) and/or Subsea vehicles
  • Experience in flight dynamics/platform physics and control
  • Nominal proficiency with C/C++
  • Advanced proficiency with scientific computing systems (Mathworks products (e.g., MATLAB, SIMULINK etc.), scientific Python (e.g., numpy, scipy)
  • Flight test data processing/sim correlation experience
  • Experience with developing sub-system and system level models (Air vehicle, ground vehicles, ground based sensors and other types of complex systems)
  • Experience with model development to support Guidance, Navigation and Control algorithm development
  • Hands-on experience with HITL or SITL simulation operations, including test setup, execution, and debugging
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. TS clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Advanced proficiency with C/C++
  • Flight test support experience, including on-site operations and real-time troubleshooting
  • Extensive experience with SITL and HITL simulation infrastructure design, development and deployment for complex systems
  • Experience with developing emulated/simulation interfaces for on-board avionics, including CAN, Ethernet, serial protocols, and custom hardware interfaces
  • Experience deploying and operating real-time simulation environments (e.g., NI/Speedgoat real-time targets, dSPACE, or similar platforms)
  • Demonstrated ability to own and operate HITL labs supporting multiple concurrent flight test programs

US Salary Range
$166,000-$220,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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