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Flight Simulation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site +1

$142K - $235K/yr

Software Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To ... flight software (FSW) verification simulation environment * Work with GNC and software team ...

Saalex is seeking a Modeling and Simulation Engineer in Ridgecrest, CA. The selected candidate will ... Conduct pre-flight and post-flight test analysis, including flight test data reduction and ...

The lead simulation engineer will be responsible for directing the technical work of the simulation ... flight software (FSW) verification simulation environment * Work with GNC and software team ...

Saalex is seeking a Modeling and Simulation Engineer in Ridgecrest, CA. The selected candidate will ... Conduct pre-flight and post-flight test analysis, including flight test data reduction and ...

The lead simulation engineer will be responsible for directing the technical work of the simulation ... flight software (FSW) verification simulation environment * Work with GNC and software team ...

Saalex is seeking a Modeling and Simulation Engineer in Ridgecrest, CA. The selected candidate will ... Conduct pre-flight and post-flight test analysis, including flight test data reduction and ...

Flight Sciences Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

We are looking for software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and front-end mobile ... Flight Simulation Development: * Design, implement, and maintain high-fidelity flight simulation ...

As a Senior Software Simulation Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and deploying real ... Develop and maintain real-time simulation environments for flight control, avionics, and aircraft ...

Senior Simulation Engineer Department: Autonomous Systems Employment Type: Full Time Location ... Provide simulation support for verification and validation of flight software. * Participate in ...

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Flight Simulation Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$121.8K

$188K

How much do flight simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulation engineer in California is $121,783.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,800.00 and $144,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight simulation engineer?

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 simulation engineer do?

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.

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

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.

Are flight simulation engineers in demand?

Flight simulation engineers are in demand due to the growing need for realistic pilot training and aircraft system testing. The industry values skills in simulation software, hardware integration, and certifications such as FAA or EASA standards, with employment opportunities often available in aerospace, defense, and training organizations.

How much do flight simulation engineers make?

Flight simulation engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in simulation software and hardware can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

How to become a flight simulation engineer?

To become a flight simulation engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with simulation software, flight systems, and control systems is important, along with strong technical skills and knowledge of aviation principles. Certifications in relevant areas and familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB or Simulink can enhance job prospects.

What job categories do people searching Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Flight Simulation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Flight Simulation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Simulation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,783 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Modeling, Simulation & Analysis (MSA) Engineer - HITL Focus

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site


Anduril Industries
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

We are looking for a Modeling, Simulation and Analysis Engineer to join our team. As part of the team you will have the opportunity to develop, implement and maintain sufficient fidelity virtual representations of the myriad of different vehicles Anduril works on. In this role you will be required to develop and coordinate deployment and maintenance of vehicle models and simulation instantiations for various programs ongoing at Anduril. A critical aspect of this role involves owning and operating Hardware-In-The-Loop (HITL) simulation environments that enable safe, rapid iteration of flight control and autonomy software with real avionics hardware before live flight tests.

The ideal candidate has experience working on aerospace systems and understands the right fidelity of sub-system and system level modeling required to integrate with the broader flight control and mission autonomy software to support development. In addition the candidate should be versed in coding and software integration practices. Experience with HITL operations, including real-time simulation, avionics integration, and closed-loop testing with physical hardware is highly valued. If you have a passion for flight and like the idea of building a physics based digital representation of a flying vehicle and testing it with real hardware, this is the role for you!

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Work on challenging problems in a fast-paced environment from across our portfolio of programs and products:

  • Simulation solutions for Guidance, Navigation and Control algorithm development

  • Software-In-The-Loop (SITL) solutions

  • Hardware-In-The-Loop (HITL) solutions

  • Customer product training solutions

  • Monte-Carlo simulation analysis

  • Simulation and Test data analysis tools and processes

  • Design, develop, deploy, and maintain HITL simulation infrastructure for complex aerospace systems, including real-time vehicle models, avionics emulation, and sensor simulation environments

  • Own the end-to-end configuration and operation of SITL and HITL environments for test vehicles, ensuring safe and efficient flight test execution

  • Coordinate and execute HITL test campaigns, working closely with flight test teams to validate GNC algorithms, mission autonomy software, and vehicle performance prior to live flights

  • Develop and maintain emulated interfaces for on-board avionics systems to enable closed-loop hardware testing in simulation environments

  • Troubleshoot and resolve real-time simulation issues during HITL operations, including timing constraints, hardware interface problems, and model fidelity discrepancies

  • Work with multi-disciplinary subject matter experts to understand and adequately model pertinent sub-system, system and system of system dynamics

  • Work with internal and external customers to understand simulation requirements and develop efficient modeling and simulation solutions

  • Support flight test operations with pre-flight simulation validation and post-flight data correlation analysis to continuously improve model fidelity

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or related technical discipline

  • Senior Modeling Simulation Engineer: 8 or more years of experience in Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis engineering or related technical experience

  • Modeling Simulation Engineer: 3 or more years of experience in Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis engineering or related technical experience

  • Experience with aerospace/aeronautical systems (including rotorcraft/VTOL) and/or Subsea vehicles

  • Experience in flight dynamics/platform physics and control

  • Nominal proficiency with C/C++

  • Advanced proficiency with scientific computing systems (Mathworks products (e.g., MATLAB, SIMULINK etc.), scientific Python (e.g., numpy, scipy)

  • Flight test data processing/sim correlation experience

  • Experience with developing sub-system and system level models (Air vehicle, ground vehicles, ground based sensors and other types of complex systems)

  • Experience with model development to support Guidance, Navigation and Control algorithm development

  • Hands-on experience with HITL or SITL simulation operations, including test setup, execution, and debugging

  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. TS clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Advanced proficiency with C/C++

  • Flight test support experience, including on-site operations and real-time troubleshooting

  • Extensive experience with SITL and HITL simulation infrastructure design, development and deployment for complex systems

  • Experience with developing emulated/simulation interfaces for on-board avionics, including CAN, Ethernet, serial protocols, and custom hardware interfaces

  • Experience deploying and operating real-time simulation environments (e.g., NI/Speedgoat real-time targets, dSPACE, or similar platforms)

  • Demonstrated ability to own and operate HITL labs supporting multiple concurrent flight test programs


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


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