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Flight Simulation Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Flight Dynamicist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Develop high-fidelity simulations and digital engineering models to support concept development ... Perform flight mechanics analyses including stability and control assessments, separation dynamics ...

General Atomics

Engineer III

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

Analyzes simulation, ground test, and flight test data in support of simulation model validation ... Collaborates daily with other GNC and simulation engineers as well as other engineering team ...

General Atomics

Engineer III

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Analyzes simulation, ground test, and flight test data in support of simulation model validation ... Collaborates daily with other GNC and simulation engineers as well as other engineering team ...

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All JobsFlight Simulation Engineer JobsFlight Simulation Engineer Jobs in Alabama

Flight Simulation Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$35.3K

$111.8K

$172.7K

How much do flight simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulation engineer in Alabama is $111,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $132,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are simulation engineers in demand?

Simulation engineers, including flight simulation engineers, are in demand due to the growing need for realistic training and testing environments in aerospace and defense industries. Their skills in software development, systems integration, and familiarity with simulation tools are highly valued, leading to steady job opportunities across various sectors.

What is a Flight Simulation Engineer job?

A Flight Simulation Engineer designs, develops, and maintains flight simulators used for pilot training, aircraft testing, and system development. They work with software, hardware, and aerodynamic models to create realistic flight environments. Their role includes troubleshooting, integrating new features, and ensuring the simulator accurately mimics real-world flight conditions. These engineers collaborate with pilots, aerospace engineers, and software developers to enhance simulator performance and reliability.

What does a flight simulator engineer do?

A flight simulation engineer designs, develops, and maintains flight simulators used for pilot training and aircraft testing. They work with software, hardware, and avionics systems to ensure realistic and reliable simulation experiences, often requiring knowledge of aeronautics, programming, and engineering standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Flight Simulation Engineer position, and why are they important?

A Flight Simulation Engineer typically requires a degree in aerospace, electrical, or software engineering, along with deep knowledge of simulation modeling, computer programming, and avionics systems. Familiarity with simulation platforms like MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing tools, as well as certifications such as FAA or EASA compliance standards, is vital. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills enable effective teamwork and troubleshooting of complex technical issues. These abilities ensure the accurate development and maintenance of high-fidelity flight simulators used for pilot training and research.

What does a typical day look like for a Flight Simulation Engineer?

As a Flight Simulation Engineer, your typical day often involves designing, coding, and testing simulation models that replicate real aircraft systems and environments. You may collaborate closely with pilots, software developers, and hardware engineers to integrate new features or troubleshoot simulator performance issues. Routine tasks can include conducting system validations, updating software, and ensuring compliance with aviation standards. The role often mixes independent technical work with project team meetings, offering variety and opportunities to learn from experts in multiple disciplines.

How much do flight simulator engineers make?

Flight simulation 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 engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced aerospace or systems engineers, including senior flight simulation engineers working in defense, aerospace, or large technology companies, can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary with bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and extensive industry experience. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.
What are popular job titles related to Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Alabama? For Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Alabama are:
Flight Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Simulation Engineer job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,848 per year, or $53.8 per hour.
Dynamics, Controls, Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis Subject Matter Expert

Dynamics, Controls, Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis Subject Matter Expert

Mclaurin Aerospace

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!
We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Dynamics, Controls, Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis Subject Matter Expert to join our ESSCA contract team at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL.
If selected you will:
  • Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentoring to project/program team members
  • Develop and/or oversee the development, verification, and validation of launch vehicle, spacecraft, and lander control systems.
  • Model, develop, simulate, and analyze launch vehicle, spacecraft, and lander dynamics and control system performance and stability.
  • Resolve complex problems pertaining to the design, development, analysis, integration, evaluation, testing, and verification of control systems and 6-DoF models and simulations.
  • Develop, modify, maintain, and improve software simulations, tools, and scripts.
  • Periodically analyze HLS partner' flight data and present findings to NASA management.
  • Create, edit, and debug software written in MATLAB, Simulink, and Simscape.
  • Configure, conduct, and analyze 6-DoF Monte Carlo simulations.
  • Conduct trades studies and/or sensitivity analyses related to launch vehicles and spacecraft control.
  • Mentor junior engineers in conducting control system modeling, simulation, and analysis.
  • Prepare and present technical reports and/or briefings including visualization of results.
  • Create and review engineering and software documentation.

Qualifications:
This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.
A degree in Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited institution is required. Typical experience requirements are the equivalent of a PhD with at least 19 years of experience, a master's with at least 23 years of experience, or BS with at least 25 years of experience. Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.
Required skills/experience:
  • Ability to work problems from first principles, including derivation of dynamics equations of motion, including both nonlinear equations and linear state equations and integrate subsystem models into larger simulations.
  • Proficiency modeling, simulating, and analyzing the performance of launch vehicles, spacecraft, and landers in the time domain using parametric, Monte Carlo, and statistical techniques.
  • Experience analyzing control stability in the frequency domain (Nichols, Bode, Nyquist, Root Locus, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to design flight control systems (PID, state space, etc.) and perform actuator allocation (manual jet selection, quadratic programming, pseudo inverse, etc.)
  • Modeling of spacecraft components/subsystems such as: Thrust Vector Control (TVC) actuators, Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters, slosh, pogo, rigid and/or flexible body dynamics.
  • Programming in MATLAB, Simulink, and C/C++. This includes debugging and improving the efficiency of simulation tools.
  • Experience performing software development, verification, and validation.
  • Experience performing trade studies, sensitivity, and/or Monte Carlo simulation and analyses related to the control of launch vehicles and/or spacecraft.
  • Must be detail oriented and self-motivated that can work independently taking projects from start to finish without much oversight.
  • Must also be able to work collaboratively with other team members both locally and remote at other facilities or vendors.
  • Strong written and oral communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience leading and/or mentoring junior engineers.

Required skills/experience:
  • Experience with modeling, simulation, and analysis of spacecraft rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking and/or landers
  • Experience modeling and simulating manual control of spacecraft including but not limited to controllability, transfer function models, Cooper Harper ratings, and paper pilot modeling.
  • Programming in other languages such as Python, Simscape Multi-body.
  • Familiarity with and an understanding of trajectory and orbital dynamics.
  • Experience with creating animations/visualization from results of 3-DoF/6-DoF simulations using tools such as Unreal Engine, Satellite Tool Kit (STK), etc.
  • Model based design experience.

Benefits
  • Competitive pay
  • Positive work-life balance
  • 100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • 11 paid holidays annually
  • Generous PTO
  • 401k after 12 months of service with employer match
  • Education assistance
  • Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Mclaurin is a unique organization with a special focus on combining the best features of research and industry in order to foster innovation. Our organization strongly supports research, publication, and engagement with the academic community. We encourage our employees to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in their respective disciplines.
US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required.
Mclaurin 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, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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