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Flight Simulation Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Provide technical oversight for verification planning and execution across: analysis and simulation ... Mentor flight controls engineers in certification, verification, and systems thinking. * Coordinate ...

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Flight Simulation Engineer information

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.
Infographic showing various Flight Simulation Engineer job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Principal Software Engineer - Radar Modeling (Onsite)

Oak Grove, VA • On-site

Prattwhitney
Engineering Professional Services • 10K+ employees

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Pratt & Whitney rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 162 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Principal Software Engineer - Radar Modeling (Onsite)

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Date Posted: 2026-08-27 Country: United States of America Location: US-VA-STERLING-291 ~ 22640 Davis Dr ~ DAVIS Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

What You Will Do
  • Support high-fidelity radar models in flight simulation training systems.
  • Build, update and maintain different types of radar models through software engineering in the host simulation code.
  • Integrate with distributed simulation environments.
  • Support, maintain, and enhance existing radar software products.
  • Design, develop, test, and debug real-time, multi-threaded software, distributed applications, and APIs for simulation and training.
  • May manage small projects or processes.
  • Implement data standards based on specific radar models.
What You Will Learn
  • Strategies for optimizing software performance and scalability in large, complex systems.
  • Software architecture related to radar models and software simulation applications.
  • Designing, implementing and integrating a variety of radar models to multiple Radar Simulation Systems for different platforms.
  • The latest in radar technologies.
Qualifications You Must Have
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience.
  • Must have or be capable of obtaining a US Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.
  • Candidate selected will be subject to a government security investigation/reinstatement and must meet eligibility requirements.
  • Extensive experience with radar software development and radar concepts for simulation.
  • Proven leadership experience in a team environment, driving creative solutions to complex technical problems.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Object-Oriented programming.
Qualifications We Prefer
  • Experience working on bids and proposals.
  • Ability to interpret engineering specifications for real radar systems and translate them into software models.
  • Ability to work with large, existing codebases and mission‑critical software.
  • Need to know how Radar Simulation Systems (RSS) databases work including how data is structured, how to query it, and how it drives the radar model.
  • Experience with using and creating Interface Control Documents (ICD) to establish the content and format of all host/RSS interface data.
  • Need to know how RSS data flows into the radar pipeline.
  • Experience with Air-Ground modes such as: Real Beam Ground Map (RBGM). GMTI (Ground Mapping Target Indication). SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar). DBS (Doppler Beam Sharpening). AGR (Air to Ground Ranging).
  • Experience with Air-Sea Modes such as: Sea Surface Search (SSS)
  • Experience with Interleaved modes.
  • Expertise in packet/network analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark).
  • Support system integration, test events, and customer reviews.
  • Strong software architecture skills with the ability to design modular, scalable, high-performance systems for real-time simulation.
  • Deep understanding of radar systems: signal propagation, resolution, Doppler, clutter, Radar Cross Section (RCS), antenna patterns, attenuation, range bins, azimuth bins, etc.
  • Familiarity and experience with Operational Flight Program (OFP) core software that is used in both a Full Mission Simulator (FMS) and Operational Flight Trainer (OFT).
  • Agile methodology.
  • Software development for automated unit testing.
What We Offer
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Student Loan Repayment Program
  • Life insurance and disability coverage
  • Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Autism Benefit
  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
  • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
  • Eligible for relocation assistance
  • And more!

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.

The salary range for this role is 118,300 USD - 224,900 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.

Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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About Pratt & Whitney

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Pratt & Whitney has a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of aviation propulsion. Our story begins in the 1920s and has flourished throughout the decades. We have continuously transformed and reinvented our businesses to offer superior products and services to our customers. In 1925, the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was founded by Frederick B. Rentschler, pioneer of the air-cooled radial engine design which enabled unprecedented power-to-weight ratio. Its first engine, the R-1340 Wasp engine, transformed military and commercial aviation and is still in use today. In 1928, the Canadian division of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was established. In 1944, Pratt & Whitney began its gas turbine and jet propulsion initiative. The company constructed a wind tunnel, laboratory and engineering center to support our allies’ efforts in World War II. In 1945, wartime production included more than 300,000 Pratt & Whitney engines, touted by service members as extremely dependable – a legacy that continues today. From there, Pratt & Whitney continued to design and innovate more powerful, agile, and reliable engines becoming a leader in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has more than 85,000 engines in service and more than 16,000 customers worldwide.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Hartford, CT, US