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Flight Simulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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HLS GN&C Flight Simulation Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Provide math modeling and simulation development of guidance and flight control algorithms for automatic and piloted manual flight of lunar landers * Develop formal math model and simulation ...

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How much do flight simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulation in the United States is $67,601.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $79,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are flight simulation jobs?

Flight simulation jobs involve designing, operating, or maintaining flight simulators used for pilot training, aircraft testing, or research. Professionals in this field may work as engineers, technicians, instructors, or software developers. Their responsibilities typically include creating realistic flight scenarios, ensuring simulator accuracy, troubleshooting technical issues, and training pilots to handle various flying conditions. These roles are essential in aviation for safe and cost-effective pilot training, as well as for testing new aircraft technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight simulation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Simulation Engineer, you need strong skills in aerospace engineering, computer science, and mathematics, typically backed by a relevant degree. Expertise in simulation software (such as MATLAB/Simulink, C++, or flight dynamics modeling tools) and familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills that help address complex technical challenges. These competencies are important to ensure accurate, reliable simulations that support pilot training, aircraft development, and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in flight simulation, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in flight simulation often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving technology, maintaining simulation accuracy, and integrating new aircraft systems into existing platforms. Staying current with software updates and industry best practices is essential to address these issues. Collaboration with engineers, pilots, and training staff also helps ensure that simulations meet real-world training needs and regulatory standards. Regular communication and ongoing professional development are key to overcoming these challenges and excelling in the field.

What is the difference between Flight Simulation vs Flight Instructor?

AspectFlight SimulationFlight Instructor
Required CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications, simulator operation licenses, and sometimes pilot licensesRequires pilot licenses, flight hours, and instructor certifications
Work EnvironmentSimulators, training centers, or aerospace facilitiesFlight schools, airports, or training aircraft
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, aerospace companies, military, training centersFlight schools, aviation academies, airlines

Flight Simulation involves operating and managing flight simulators for training or testing purposes, focusing on technical and software skills. Flight Instructors teach pilots in real aircraft or simulators, emphasizing instructional skills and pilot expertise. Both roles are essential in aviation training but differ in environment and certification requirements.

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What cities are hiring for Flight Simulation jobs?

Cities with the most Flight Simulation job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulation jobs?

The most popular types of Flight Simulation jobs are:

What states have the most Flight Simulation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Flight Simulation jobs include:

Flight Simulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Simulation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,601 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Flight Simulation Engineer

General Atomics

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
We have an exciting opportunity in our Aerospace Systems Engineering Department for a Flight Simulation Engineer. This full-time position is located at our Huntsville, AL site and directly supports the System Simulation & Analysis and Guidance, Navigation, and Control teams by providing technical expertise for development and configuration management of analysis tools for a variety of space and weapon system development projects.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support the aerospace systems engineering organization by developing and configuration managing flight simulations and other analysis tools.
  • Support development of new weapon systems particularly gun-launched projectiles and guided missiles and/or satellites.
  • Support real-time simulation development and Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop testing.
  • Performs upgrades to simulation and analysis tools with special focus on maintaining analyst useability and tool flexibility.
  • Support peer reviews of simulation models, analysis tools, and other software modules as required.
  • Develop and implement simulation software unit tests and other automated test scripts as required.
  • Develop simulation tool and software documentation using company guidelines and best industry practices.
  • Support post-processing and analysis of data collected from ground and flight tests, simulation-based performance assessments, and other sources.
  • Develop briefing materials for design reviews.
  • Facilitate rapid resolution of delays that impact simulation and analysis tasks including real-time, thorough communication with task leads, program management and other leadership is required.
  • Collaborate daily with GA and customer engineering and program management teams.
  • Support development of simulation and analysis related data deliverables.
  • Perform other duties as required.
  • Travel expectations: <10%
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelor's degree or master's degree or PhD in software engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; 6 or more years of experience with a bachelor's degree, 4 or more years of experience with a master's degree, or 2 or more years of experience with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Must have a thorough understanding of software engineering and software configuration management and version control concepts, principles, processes, and tools such as Git and SVN.
  • Prior experience with developing and using high fidelity flight simulations of missiles, gun-launched projectiles, hypersonic vehicles, or satellites is required.
  • Demonstrated skills with multiple programming languages such as FORTRAN, C, C++, Python, and MATLAB is required.
  • Must possess the ability to develop and communicate new concepts; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
  • Must have strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas.
  • Must have an active Dept of Defense (DoD) Secret level security clearance with the ability to upgrade to Top Secret if required by the program.
  • Able to work extended hours as required.
  • Success in position requires consistent display of the following key abilities:
    • Initiative and strong work ethic to work independently, or with a team, or solve challenging problems in a development and prototyping environment.
    • Rapid and effective problem solving: identify issues, analyze and interpret data and develop innovative solutions to a variety of complex problems;
    • Excellent communication skills to document, develop, and present technical issues so that stakeholders across the organization readily understand the content and their related actions;
    • Schedule performance: influencing and collaborating across the organization to result in contract schedule success.
Desired Job Qualifications
  • Experience with Software-In-The-Loop (SWIL) and Hardware-In-The-Loop (HWIL) simulation and testing is strongly desired.
  • Experience with using and modifying the Air Force's AFSIM simulation tool is strongly desired.
  • Experience with integrating and stress testing "black box" software (e.g. DLL's) is desired.
  • Demonstrated skills and experience with embedded flight software development and testing is desired.

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About General Atomics

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General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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