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Contract Flight Simulator Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electra Aero, Inc.

Simulation Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$90K - $110K/yr

Support integration of SIL/HIL labs and the engineering flight simulator * Maintain configuration control and documentation for all simulation environments in support of FAA Part 23 certification ...

Electra

Simulation Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Support integration of SIL/HIL labs and the engineering flight simulator * Maintain configuration control and documentation for all simulation environments in support of FAA Part 23 certification ...

Electra

Simulation Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Support integration of SIL/HIL labs and the engineering flight simulator * Maintain configuration control and documentation for all simulation environments in support of FAA Part 23 certification ...

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All JobsContract Flight Simulator Engineer Jobs

Contract Flight Simulator Engineer information

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$46.5K

$118.5K

$260.5K

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

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract flight simulator engineer in the United States is $118,512.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do flight simulator instructors get paid?

Flight simulator instructors typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Salaries can vary based on location, the complexity of simulators used, and whether the instructor is full-time or part-time.

How much do flight simulator engineers make?

Flight simulator engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of expertise. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in simulation software and hardware may earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace or defense industries.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A contract flight simulator engineer can earn $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in simulation systems, and working on high-profile projects for defense or aerospace companies. Such roles often require advanced certifications, security clearances, and the ability to work under demanding schedules.

Are simulation engineers in demand?

Simulation engineers, including those working on flight simulators, are in demand due to the growing aerospace and defense industries that require advanced training tools. Skills in software development, systems integration, and familiarity with simulation platforms like MATLAB or Simulink enhance job prospects. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as simulation technology becomes increasingly vital for pilot training and system testing.

What is the difference between Contract Flight Simulator Engineer vs Contract Avionics Technician?

AspectContract Flight Simulator EngineerContract Avionics Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in aerospace, engineering, or related field; certifications in simulation systemsAssociate's or bachelor's in electronics or avionics; certifications like FAA or EASA
Work EnvironmentSimulation labs, aerospace companies, training centersAircraft maintenance facilities, aerospace manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace, defense, training organizationsAircraft operators, maintenance providers, aerospace manufacturers

While both roles involve technical expertise in aerospace systems, Contract Flight Simulator Engineers focus on developing and maintaining flight simulation software and hardware, whereas Contract Avionics Technicians handle the installation, repair, and maintenance of aircraft electronic systems. Their work environments and certifications overlap but serve different aspects of aerospace operations.

More about Contract Flight Simulator Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Flight Simulator Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Flight Simulator Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulator Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Flight Simulator Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Flight Simulator Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Flight Simulator Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Flight Simulator Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Flight Simulator Engineer jobs are:
Contract Flight Simulator Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Flight Simulator Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,512 per year, or $57 per hour.
Flight Simulator SW Engineer II

Flight Simulator SW Engineer II

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

Truth Or Consequences, NM • On-site

$88K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Flight Simulator SW Engineer II is part of the VG's Flight Simulation & Mission Control team within the Spaceline Missions and Mission Operations Group. Occasional work at other VG facilities in the U.S. or abroad may be required. Guided by our values, "Safety Above All", we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Flight Simulator Software Engineer and Programmer to join our team in developing advanced simulation systems for aerospace and aviation applications. This role involves contributing to the architecture, design, and implementation of both high-fidelity and desktop flight simulation environments, integrating hardware/software systems, and enhancing simulation realism.
You will collaborate with our pilot and engineering teams to deliver robust, high-performance simulators used in training, test environments and research. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives on technical challenges, has a strong background in real-time systems, and understands aviation dynamics, whether from an engineering or piloting perspective. Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain software for high-fidelity and desktop flight simulation systems.
  • Integrate flight models, avionics systems, and real or virtual cockpit hardware into simulator environments.
  • Implement shared memory frameworks and synchronization techniques for distributed simulation systems.
  • Support real-time data collection, visualization, and external communication with avionics and networked systems.
  • Architect modular and scalable systems for both engineering development and pilot training use.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including pilots and aerospace engineers.
  • Participate in DevOps and CI/CD pipeline development for streamlined deployment and testing.
  • Conduct code reviews.
  • Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
  • Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks

Required Skills and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of professional experience in software development.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ with working knowledge of other languages and scripting such as C#, bash, or python.
  • Experience with real-time systems, distributed simulation, or embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink, especially S-Functions and model decomposition.
  • Working knowledge of network communication protocols and debugging tools (TCP/UDP, wireshark, etc.).
  • Experience with simulator integration involving shared memory, hardware I/O, or control interfaces.
  • Proficiency in Git-based source control and CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, Docker).
  • Excellent debugging and performance optimization skills in multi-threaded environments.
  • Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
  • Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas

Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Experience with flight simulation frameworks, avionics protocols (ARINC-429, ADS-B, GDL-90), or cockpit control systems.
  • Familiarity with aerospace standards, human factors research, or FAA-related simulation environments.
  • Experience with iOS or embedded applications related to aerospace systems.
  • Knowledge of visualization tools such as OpenGL, or simulation display frameworks.
  • Comfortable working with containerized environments and cloud services like AWS.
  • Strong understanding of systems integration and hardware/software interface design.
  • Background in UI/UX design for technical systems or simulators.
  • Pilot experience (commercial, private, or hobbyist) is a strong plus and highly valued.

#LI-AB1
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $88,477.00-$134,981.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits
Who We Are
Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles .
Export Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here .
EEO Statement
Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Drug Free Workplace
Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing.
Phoenix Employment Requirements
For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge. This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.

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