ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Simulation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · Hybrid

As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a small hypersonic advanced design team ... Contribute to flight performance simulations through modeling and/or aerodynamic analyses * Analyze ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFlight Simulation Engineer JobsFlight Simulation Engineer Jobs in California

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:
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Simulation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Simulation Engineer job openings:
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.
Senior Staff Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Senior Staff Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$152K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
What you'll do:
  • Vehicle Performance & Modeling: Build and refine vehicle performance models, perform vehicle-level trade study analyses, and define and validate vehicle performance requirements.
  • Handling & Maneuvering: Evaluate flying and handling qualities requirements and determine maneuvering overhead to ensure optimal aircraft responsiveness and safety.
  • Dynamics & Aeromechanics: Perform system identification and linearization of complex vehicle dynamics, and analyze aeromechanics and aeroelasticity to ensure vehicle stability.
  • Flight Controls Support: Support flight control design for aircraft, including the development and implementation of notch filters, envelope definition etc
  • Simulation & Hazard Analysis: Characterize the performance and capabilities of the aircraft. Conduct simulations to support Functional Hazard Analyses (FHAs) at a vehicle level.
  • Data Analysis & Model Validation: Analyze flight test data, identify sources of model error, and update vehicle physics models accordingly.
  • Systems Integration: Work with internal and external suppliers to integrate their systems into our comprehensive vehicle simulations, including vehicle dynamics, powertrain, actuation, sensors, and environmental modeling.
What you need:
  • Education: BS in an Engineering discipline required. MS or PhD in an Engineering discipline highly desirable.
  • Experience: 5+ years of aerospace vehicle performance and simulation experience at a full-vehicle level.
  • Aerodynamics Expertise: Deep understanding of aerodynamics, specifically pertaining to helicopter rotors, electric VTOL and/or fixed-wing aircraft.
  • Simulation Skills: Strong experience with multi-body dynamics simulations. High level of expertise with developing vehicle analysis tools and simulations in Python and MATLAB.
  • Modeling Techniques: Expert in modeling and numerical optimization techniques with an understanding of these in the context of aerodynamic vehicles.
  • Core Competencies: Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced design environment.
Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience modeling and analyzing eVTOL aircraft and a deep understanding of the role of various aircraft subsystems, including an electric powertrain.
  • Rotorcraft experience
  • Pilot's license.

At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $152,100 - $202,100. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.

Apply