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Flight Simulation Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

CNC Machinist

Urbana, IL · On-site

$46K - $78K/yr

FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award ... programming is faulty or if machine malfunction. * Stop machines to remove finished work pieces, or ...

CNC Machinist

Urbana, IL · On-site

$46K - $78K/yr

FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award ... programming is faulty or if machine malfunction. * Stop machines to remove finished work pieces, or ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 2, 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?

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 are popular job titles related to Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,577 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Space Staff Engineer Systems

Northrop Grumman

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description 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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. 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.

Our employees are not only part of history, but they're also making history. The Mission and Payload Programs organization within the Northrop Grumman Space Systems pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter.

Come be a part of our mission. Our Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) organization within Space Superiority Division provides complex subsystems and defense electronics. This position can be hired as a Staff Systems Engineer (level 5) based on their qualifications in one or more of the following 3 disciplines: (1) Systems Design (2) Modeling & Simulation, and (3) Integration & Test.

This position is part of the Space Sectors' Eastern Region SEIT Engineering Organization located at Rolling Meadows, IL. Systems Design Tasking can include: SEIT Lead & Cost Account Management Creating and refining Model Based System Engineering products (System behavioral models, Use Case realizations, State Machines, etc.) Generation and update of specifications in DOORS, including requirements traceability and dxl script development Capability assessments to predict requirement compliance Functional algorithm development Risk assessment and burn down of mitigation steps Generating and reporting system Technical Performance Measures Presenting analysis that shapes the system design and obtaining end-customer buy-in Interface development and documentation Modeling & Simulation Tasking can include: Software development of physics-based in-house models and algorithms Perform analysis and trades of product line architectures using analytical models and mission level simulations Functional algorithm development Authoring technical documentation such as white papers, proposal technical volumes, program milestone briefings (i.e. SRR, PDR, CDR,...), systems engineering design documentation Presenting technical analysis to multiple stakeholders Creating and refining Model Based Systems Engineering Products (System behavioral models, Use Case realizations, State Machines, etc.) Integration & Test Tasking can include: SEIT Lead & Cost Account Management Systems: sensors/antennas, transmitters/receivers, optics, and associated lab equipment Full life cycle experience developing, integrating, and deploying space systems Experience with real-time signal processing Knowledge of MATLAB, Python, or other scripting languages Working knowledge of Robot Framework, or other test automation frameworks Working knowledge of DOORS and ClearCase/ClearQuest Experience creating and executing integration & test and design verification test plans and procedures Experience performing system verification and validation Agile development experience a plus Supporting Systems Integration Labs (SIL) testing Ability and willingness to travel Basic Qualifications: Staff Engineer Systems: BS + 12 years of experience; MS + 10 years of experience; PhD + 7 years of experience BS and/or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or related technical degree

Educational background or experience with signal processing and algorithm development Proficient with MATLAB or Python object-oriented programing languages U.S. citizen with ability to obtain U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrate history of strong organization and coordination skills (working with cross-functional teams)

Knowledge of the space domain (e.g. orbital mechanics, remote sensing, etc.) Strong RF domain background (link budget, waveform modulation schemes, transceiver technologies, antennas) Integration and test experience; familiarity with signal generators and spectral analyzers Active TS/SCI with adjudicated polygraph is preferred #SpaceEngJobs #SpaceSysEngJobs Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00 The 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