... systems engineering, simulation, mission operations, and test teams to deliver integrated ... direct management of engineers and technical staff • Demonstrated experience delivering software ...
... systems engineering, simulation, mission operations, and test teams to deliver integrated ... direct management of engineers and technical staff • Demonstrated experience delivering software ...
Coordinate with GNC, Embedded Software, avionics, electrical, systems engineering, simulation ... direct management of engineers and technical staff * Demonstrated experience delivering software ...
Coordinate with GNC, Embedded Software, avionics, electrical, systems engineering, simulation ... direct management of engineers and technical staff * Demonstrated experience delivering software ...
Coordinate with GNC, Embedded Software, avionics, electrical, systems engineering, simulation ... direct management of engineers and technical staff * Demonstrated experience delivering software ...
Coordinate with GNC, Embedded Software, avionics, electrical, systems engineering, simulation ... direct management of engineers and technical staff * Demonstrated experience delivering software ...
Coordinate with GNC, Embedded Software, avionics, electrical, systems engineering, simulation ... direct management of engineers and technical staff * Demonstrated experience delivering software ...
Coordinate with GNC, Embedded Software, avionics, electrical, systems engineering, simulation ... direct management of engineers and technical staff * Demonstrated experience delivering software ...
Coordinate with GNC, Embedded Software, avionics, electrical, systems engineering, simulation ... direct management of engineers and technical staff * Demonstrated experience delivering software ...
Coordinate with GNC, Embedded Software, avionics, electrical, systems engineering, simulation ... direct management of engineers and technical staff * Demonstrated experience delivering software ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
Director Flight Simulation information
See Austin, TX salary details
$10.9K - $20.9K
0% of jobs
$20.9K - $30.8K
0% of jobs
$40.7K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$30.8K - $40.8K
25% of jobs
$40.8K - $50.7K
5% of jobs
$50.7K - $60.7K
8% of jobs
The median wage is $67.2K / yr.
$60.7K - $70.6K
17% of jobs
$77.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$70.6K - $80.6K
29% of jobs
$80.6K - $90.6K
9% of jobs
$90.6K - $100.5K
3% of jobs
$100.5K - $110.5K
1% of jobs
$110.5K - $120.4K
1% of jobs
$10.9K
$67K
$120.4K
How much do director flight simulation jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for director flight simulation in Austin, TX is $67,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $78,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are some typical challenges faced by a director flight simulation, and how can they be addressed?
A Director of Flight Simulation often faces challenges such as keeping simulation technology up to date, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing a diverse team of instructors, engineers, and support staff. Balancing the needs of pilots in training with operational constraints, such as simulator availability and maintenance downtime, is also common. These challenges can be addressed by fostering strong communication with stakeholders, staying informed about technological advancements, and implementing structured processes for scheduling and maintenance. Additionally, ongoing professional development and collaboration with aviation authorities help maintain high training standards.
What is the difference between Director Flight Simulation vs Flight Simulator Technician?
| Aspect | Director Flight Simulation | Flight Simulator Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Bachelor's or higher in aviation, engineering, or related field; industry certifications | Technical diploma or associate degree; specialized certifications |
| Work Environment | Management of simulation programs, overseeing teams, strategic planning | Hands-on maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of flight simulators |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Airlines, military, simulation centers, training organizations | Simulation centers, maintenance providers, aviation training facilities |
The main difference is that the Director Flight Simulation oversees the entire simulation program and manages teams, while the Flight Simulator Technician focuses on the technical maintenance and repair of simulators. Both roles are essential in aviation training but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.
What does a director flight simulation do?
A Director of Flight Simulation oversees the development, implementation, and management of flight simulation programs within an airline, training center, or aviation organization. They are responsible for ensuring that simulators meet regulatory standards, managing simulator maintenance and upgrades, and coordinating training schedules for pilots and crew. This role often involves leadership of technical teams, budgeting for simulation resources, and staying updated with the latest advancements in simulation technology. They play a critical role in ensuring flight crews are thoroughly trained and prepared for real-world scenarios.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director flight simulation, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Director Flight Simulation, you need expertise in aviation training, simulation technology, and leadership, often supported by an advanced degree in aviation or engineering and significant experience in flight operations or simulator management. Familiarity with flight simulator hardware/software, regulatory compliance systems (such as FAA/EASA standards), and project management tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help ensure effective coordination among teams and stakeholders. These qualifications are crucial for delivering high-quality, compliant training programs and maintaining operational excellence within aviation organizations.
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Director Flight Simulation jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Director Flight Simulation job openings:
Full-time
Re-posted 16 days ago
Firefly Aerospace rating
6.9
Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
66th of 72 rated aerospace companies
Job description
Job Summary:
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the Blue Ghost Flight Software Manager, you will lead the flight software team responsible for developing, integrating, verifying, and supporting mission-critical software for Firefly’s Blue Ghost lunar landers.
Responsibilities:
• Lead the Blue Ghost flight software team supporting lunar lander development, integration, test, and mission operations
• Own all aspects of team staffing including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, workforce planning, and contractor support
• Conduct performance evaluations and drive career development through mentorship and coaching of software engineers at all levels
• Set flight software objectives and communicate priorities to team members, program leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders
• Manage flight software execution across requirements, architecture, implementation, integration, verification, validation, release, and operational support
• Drive adoption, extension, and mission-specific application of Firefly’s flight software framework, for Blue Ghost lander missions
• Establish and improve flight software development processes, coding standards, review practices, test expectations, and release discipline
• Coordinate with GNC, Embedded Software, avionics, electrical, systems engineering, simulation, mission operations, and test teams to deliver integrated spacecraft capabilities
• Interface with program managers and mission stakeholders to allocate team responsibilities, establish schedules, and manage software deliverables
• Support mission readiness reviews, test campaigns, rehearsals, anomaly investigations, and flight operations
• Develop and manage team budget inputs, annual operating plans, resource forecasts, and software capability roadmaps
• Identify technical gaps, execution risks, staffing needs, and investment priorities for Blue Ghost flight software
• Foster a healthy team culture and maintain high morale in a demanding technical and operational environment
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical field
• 10+ years of experience developing embedded, real-time, aerospace, spacecraft, launch vehicle, defense, robotics, or other mission-critical software
• 5+ years of technical team leadership experience including direct management of engineers and technical staff
• Demonstrated experience delivering software for complex hardware systems through integration, verification, and operational use
• Strong technical understanding of embedded software architecture, real-time systems, command and telemetry, fault management, device interfaces, and software/hardware integration
• Experience establishing software engineering standards, development processes, test practices, and release discipline
• Proven ability to recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-performing technical talent
• Demonstrated success building team capabilities through mentorship, training, and career development
• Experience managing team schedules, priorities, budgets, resource planning, and workforce forecasting
• Excellent communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to executives, customers, and non-software stakeholders
• Ability to foster a collaborative team culture while meeting demanding mission schedules
Preferred:
• Experience with C or C++ in Linux, embedded Linux, RTOS, or bare-metal environments
• Experience with JPL’s F-Prime software framework, or similar component-based flight software frameworks
• Experience developing flight software for spacecraft, lunar landers, launch vehicles, satellites, or deep-space missions
• Experience with NASA, JPL, or other government aerospace software development practices
• Experience with spacecraft subsystems including avionics, GNC, propulsion, power, thermal, communications, and payload interfaces
• Experience with fault detection, isolation, and recovery, autonomy, sequencing, command handling, telemetry, and spacecraft mode management
• Experience with software verification for safety-critical or mission-critical systems, including unit testing, integration testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, simulation, and test-as-you-fly campaigns
• Experience with Python, CMake, GitLab CI, static analysis, code coverage, GoogleTest/GoogleMock, or similar software development tools
• Experience supporting mission operations, anomaly investigations, or real-time engineering support during spacecraft flight
• Experience developing strategic vision, technical roadmaps, and upgrade initiatives for flight software teams
• Advanced degree in computer science, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical field
Company:
Firefly Aerospace is a space company that develops and operates launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles for commercial mission. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in Cedar Park, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the Blue Ghost Flight Software Manager, you will lead the flight software team responsible for developing, integrating, verifying, and supporting mission-critical software for Firefly’s Blue Ghost lunar landers.
Responsibilities:
• Lead the Blue Ghost flight software team supporting lunar lander development, integration, test, and mission operations
• Own all aspects of team staffing including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, workforce planning, and contractor support
• Conduct performance evaluations and drive career development through mentorship and coaching of software engineers at all levels
• Set flight software objectives and communicate priorities to team members, program leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders
• Manage flight software execution across requirements, architecture, implementation, integration, verification, validation, release, and operational support
• Drive adoption, extension, and mission-specific application of Firefly’s flight software framework, for Blue Ghost lander missions
• Establish and improve flight software development processes, coding standards, review practices, test expectations, and release discipline
• Coordinate with GNC, Embedded Software, avionics, electrical, systems engineering, simulation, mission operations, and test teams to deliver integrated spacecraft capabilities
• Interface with program managers and mission stakeholders to allocate team responsibilities, establish schedules, and manage software deliverables
• Support mission readiness reviews, test campaigns, rehearsals, anomaly investigations, and flight operations
• Develop and manage team budget inputs, annual operating plans, resource forecasts, and software capability roadmaps
• Identify technical gaps, execution risks, staffing needs, and investment priorities for Blue Ghost flight software
• Foster a healthy team culture and maintain high morale in a demanding technical and operational environment
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical field
• 10+ years of experience developing embedded, real-time, aerospace, spacecraft, launch vehicle, defense, robotics, or other mission-critical software
• 5+ years of technical team leadership experience including direct management of engineers and technical staff
• Demonstrated experience delivering software for complex hardware systems through integration, verification, and operational use
• Strong technical understanding of embedded software architecture, real-time systems, command and telemetry, fault management, device interfaces, and software/hardware integration
• Experience establishing software engineering standards, development processes, test practices, and release discipline
• Proven ability to recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-performing technical talent
• Demonstrated success building team capabilities through mentorship, training, and career development
• Experience managing team schedules, priorities, budgets, resource planning, and workforce forecasting
• Excellent communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to executives, customers, and non-software stakeholders
• Ability to foster a collaborative team culture while meeting demanding mission schedules
Preferred:
• Experience with C or C++ in Linux, embedded Linux, RTOS, or bare-metal environments
• Experience with JPL’s F-Prime software framework, or similar component-based flight software frameworks
• Experience developing flight software for spacecraft, lunar landers, launch vehicles, satellites, or deep-space missions
• Experience with NASA, JPL, or other government aerospace software development practices
• Experience with spacecraft subsystems including avionics, GNC, propulsion, power, thermal, communications, and payload interfaces
• Experience with fault detection, isolation, and recovery, autonomy, sequencing, command handling, telemetry, and spacecraft mode management
• Experience with software verification for safety-critical or mission-critical systems, including unit testing, integration testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, simulation, and test-as-you-fly campaigns
• Experience with Python, CMake, GitLab CI, static analysis, code coverage, GoogleTest/GoogleMock, or similar software development tools
• Experience supporting mission operations, anomaly investigations, or real-time engineering support during spacecraft flight
• Experience developing strategic vision, technical roadmaps, and upgrade initiatives for flight software teams
• Advanced degree in computer science, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical field
Company:
Firefly Aerospace is a space company that develops and operates launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles for commercial mission. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in Cedar Park, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
What Firefly Aerospace employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom