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Director Flight Simulation Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Harris Corporation

Manager, Electrical Engineering

Bristol, PA · On-site

$119K - $154K/yr

... flight-critical aerospace applications at L3Harris's TRF Bristol site. This role is accountable for ... Direct product development activities from concept and architecture through design, verification ...

All JobsFlight Simulation JobsDirector Flight Simulation JobsDirector Flight Simulation Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Director Flight Simulation information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$11.1K

$68.2K

$122.6K

How much do director flight simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for director flight simulation in Philadelphia, PA is $68,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,400.00 and $80,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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?

AspectDirector Flight SimulationFlight Simulator Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in aviation, engineering, or related field; industry certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree; specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentManagement of simulation programs, overseeing teams, strategic planningHands-on maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of flight simulators
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, military, simulation centers, training organizationsSimulation 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.

Director Flight Simulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Flight Simulation job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,215 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Flight Control Engineer

Exton, PA • On-site

Innovative Aerosystems
See more jobs at Innovative Aerosystemsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description:
  • Develops, analyzes, and supports aircraft flight control systems, including manual flight controls, stability augmentation      systems, and autopilot / flight director functions.
  • Provides technical expertise in control law development, analysis, and tuning, ensuring stable, robust, and compliant system behavior across the aircraft operating envelope.
  • Applies flight dynamics and control theory to support system architectures, requirements development, and performance      optimization.
  • Collaborates closely with avionics, software, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of flight control functionality.
  • Participates in the design, validation, and verification of autopilot modes, guidance laws, and control system interfaces.
  • Assists in the development and review of system requirements, control system specifications, and interface documents.
  • Supports system analyses including handling qualities, stability margins, failure responses, and flight control system      performance assessments.
  • Contributes to system safety analyses related to flight control functions, including fault detection, redundancy, and failure effects.
  • Supports simulation, lab, and flight test activities, including pre-flight readiness, test planning, data review, and control law refinement.
  • Tracks assigned engineering tasks, reports status, and supports root-cause investigations related to flight control      performance issues.

Performs specialized engineering tasks with moderate supervision, demonstrating independent technical judgment within defined project scope 

Requirements:


PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • BS, MS or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
  • Approximately 5 years of experience in an avionics, flight controls, or aircraft systems engineering role.
  • Strong foundation in classical and modern control theory, including stability, feedback control, and control system tuning.   
  • Solid understanding of aircraft flight dynamics, handling qualities, and control surface behavior.
  • Experience with autopilot system design, evaluation, or tuning is required.
  • Familiarity with model-based design, simulation environments, or control analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink or      equivalent).
  • Working knowledge of avionics systems and software development processes, including exposure to DO-178C principles.
  • Ability to read and understand system schematics, block diagrams, and avionics interfaces.
  • Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., IBM DOORS) is a plus.
  • Demonstrated understanding of aircraft systems integration and interfaces.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Pilot license and/or flight test exposure is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to see and manipulate small parts and documentation.
  • Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, or stretch consistent with a typical engineering office role.
  • Must be able to lift and carry components up to 30 lbs.
  • Must be able to participate in aircraft ground and flight test activities.
  • Must be able to operate computer equipment for analysis, simulation, and documentation.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

  • Learn Company products and applicable flight control architectures within six (6) months.
  • Learn Company procedures and engineering processes within three (3) months.
  • Acquire working knowledge of the IA Quality System within three (3) months.
  • Maintain a growing understanding of technologies relevant to flight control and avionics systems, including aircraft      interfaces, sensors, actuators, and embedded software.
  • Gain familiarity with certification standards and regulatory guidance applicable to flight control systems.

All IA positions may include duties beyond those outlined above. Employees are expected to raise questions regarding any task that may fall outside their physical or professional capabilities.
All IA associates are expected to take responsibility for personal and workplace safety, facility security, and protection of proprietary information and technologies.


U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENTS

Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have asylum or refugee status in the U.S.


Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.  

IA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.