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Flight Simulation Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

The simulation team supports all phases of product development from early requirements analysis ... Embedded flight software build knowledge: comfortable with tools such as make. * Linux POSIX ...

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Showing results 1-20

Flight Simulation Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$37.8K

$119.6K

$184.6K

How much do flight simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulation engineer in Illinois is $119,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $142,000.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Flight Simulation Engineer job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,577 per year, or $57.5 per hour.
Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer

Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 342 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 520 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SAPTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

We are seeking capable, talented, and motivated team-contributors at our Northrop Grumman Rolling Meadows site. Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. These systems are designed, developed, built, integrated, and tested by the capable folks at our company to protect the lives of US and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.If you are interested in being considered for inclusion on this team, we invite you to apply.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing and testing custom algorithm solutions as well as developing and validating complex models and simulations. Successful candidates will bring a systems engineering approach to understanding physics phenomenology and creating our in-house algorithms and performance models. You will collaborate with a highly skilled team of engineers, physicists, and experts to implement those algorithms into a system or product. The candidate should have proficiency in software languages such as MATLAB and Python and familiarity with software development in C/C++. A successful candidate will also have strong technical writing and communication skills.

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.

This position may be contingent upon funding/contract award, special access program, and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

Basic Qualifications for Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer:

  • BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a STEM field with 2+ years of related experience, or MS degree or PhD in STEM field with 0 years of related experience
  • Experience developing custom algorithms and/or performance models
  • Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance

Preferred Qualifications for Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer:

  • Working knowledge of one or more of the following specialty areas of targeting and EOIR/RF systems: sensors/antennas, transmitters/receivers, optics, image processing, and tracking
  • Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass both hardware, software, and firmware
  • Proficiency in Java and AFSIM
  • Experience developing formal documentation for complex algorithms
  • Experience supporting requirements development and/or supporting implementation of complex algorithms as embedded software
  • Experience working as part of an agile team executing technical work under cost and schedule constraints
  • Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939