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Flight Simulation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Archer

Senior Engineer, Modeling & Simulation

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$122K - $173K/yr

Develop Flight Simulation Physics Models for eVTOL aircraft * Support vehicle level trade studies ... MS or PhD in an Engineering discipline highly desirable * 5+ years of multi-physics simulation ...

Archer

Program Manager, Flight Sciences

San Jose, CA · On-site

$172K - $216K/yr

Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, technical program management, or engineering roles. * Experience in flight sciences disciplines, including aerodynamics, flight simulation ...

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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 Jun 8, 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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in California? For Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
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Flight Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Simulation Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,783 per year, or $58.5 per hour.
GNC Modeling and Simulation Engineer

GNC Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Reliable Robotics

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$185K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

We're building safety-enhancing technology for aviation that will save lives. Automated aviation systems will enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient and fundamentally transformative to the way goods - and eventually people - move around the planet. We are a team of mission-driven engineers with experience across aerospace, robotics and self-driving cars working to make this future a reality.
As a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Modeling and Simulation Engineer, you will develop the physics-based models that enable rapid iteration and certification-grade validation of GNC software. You will perform simulation analysis and assess correlation with real-world data to demonstrate that the models are representative of the actual system.
Responsibilities
  • Develop physics-based models representative of aircraft dynamics (aerodynamics, ground reactions, actuator models, etc.)
  • Identify, request, and analyze flight tests necessary to inform modeling
  • Conduct closed-loop testing of flight control systems with simulated aircraft dynamics
  • Develop tools for visualizing and analyzing simulation and flight data
  • Perform validation of simulation models against flight test data

Basic Success Criteria
  • BS in aerospace engineering, robotics, or related field
  • 5+ years experience with aerodynamics, flight dynamics simulation, and system identification
  • Experience with Python, C++, MATLAB/Simulink, and Linux-based development environments and scripting
  • Experience with developing validated physics-based models as well as integration and testing of these models
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Criteria
  • MS or PhD in aerospace engineering, robotics, or related field
  • Experience with high fidelity physics-based aircraft or other complex simulation systems
  • Current pilot, instrument or commercial ratings

GNC Modeling and Simulation is a key company capability that enables rapid design iteration and scalable design validation covering the massive combinatorial space of flight envelope and atmospheric conditions. These tools are what allow us to fly with the confidence of more than 1000:1 simulation hours to flight hours and draw statistically significant conclusions on the system's safety and performance.
This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. An offer of employment will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to perform in compliance with U.S. export control laws.
All applicants are asked to provide documentation that legally establishes status as a U.S. person or non-U.S. person (and nationalities in the case of a non-U.S. person). Where the applicant is not a U.S. person, meaning not a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or not otherwise permitted to access the export-controlled technology without U.S. government authorization, the Company reserves the right not to apply for an export license for such applicants whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code requires authorization and may decline to proceed with the application process and any offer of employment on that basis.
At Reliable Robotics, our goal is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical conditions, national origin, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment and promotion is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to work@reliable.co

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