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Flight Simulation Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Overview Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel Job Location: Dahlgren, Virginia Job Status: Full Time ... Support of ongoing activities in developing a high fidelity 6-DOF digital flight simulation ...

Overview Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel Job Location: Dahlgren, Virginia Job Status: Full Time ... Support of ongoing activities in developing a high fidelity 6-DOF digital flight simulation ...

Overview Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel LOCATION: Dahlgren, Virginia JOB STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE ... Support of ongoing activities in developing a high fidelity 6-DOF digital flight simulation ...

Overview Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel Job Location: Dahlgren, Virginia Job Status: Full Time ... Support of ongoing activities in developing a high fidelity 6-DOF digital flight simulation ...

Software Engineer 3

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$61.50 - $82.50/hr

Software Engineer 3 Huntsville, Alabama, United States; Northern, VA, United States; Tampa, Florida ... Strong familiarity with Autopilot systems, ground control stations, or flight simulation software ...

Software Engineer 3

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$61.50 - $82.50/hr

Software Engineer 3 Huntsville, Alabama, United States; Northern, VA, United States; Tampa, Florida ... Strong familiarity with Autopilot systems, ground control stations, or flight simulation software ...

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Flight Simulation Engineer information

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 job categories do people searching Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
CAD Modeling and Simulation Engineer

CAD Modeling and Simulation Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 204 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2611774

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-04-22

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Modeling/Sim Engr

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC has need for a CAD Modeling and Simulation Engineer to support a rapidly expanding Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer with cutting-edge programs within the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA.

Note:  The role offers a flexible work schedule, but we ask our team to be available for team meetings during core business hours (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.).

As the CAD Modeling and Simulation Engineer, you will provide technical expertise across a variety of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Modeling and Simulation (M&S) topics, including 3D modeling, design visualization, structural analysis, and simulation of system performance.  You will also assist with Systems Engineering activities (e.g., requirements, configuration management, readiness, verification and validation, etc.) to ensure the effective integration of CAD models within broader simulation and analysis frameworks. As a trusted SETA, you are expected to deliver thoughtful recommendations and offer value-added insights to the customer on program objectives, cutting-edge design technologies, and system optimization. 

Job Duties to include:

  • Develop and maintain physics-based simulation models of spacecraft systems, including structures, sensors, and mission environments.
  • Perform end-to-end performance modeling for satellite missions, integrating sensor, orbital, and environmental models.
  • Create and modify CAD-based satellite geometries, including material property assignments for use in thermal, structural, and radar/optical signature analyses.
  • Conduct sensor phenomenology studies, including optical, infrared, or radar modeling for detection, tracking, and signature analysis.
  • Perform orbital mechanics modeling including orbit determination, orbital maneuvering, and spacecraft flight dynamics.
  • Produce technically sound, actionable, and consistent deliverables aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives, particularly in the realm of CAD modeling and simulation.
  • Use scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, or similar) to automate workflows, perform data analysis, and interface between simulation tools.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (systems engineering, GNC, payload, mission design) to ensure model fidelity and consistency.
  • Generate technical documentation, simulation reports, and visualizations to communicate findings and support design decisions.
  • Support trade studies and design reviews by providing modeling insights into performance impacts of design changes.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and five (5) years or more experience; Masters and three (3) years or more experience; PhD and 0 years related experience. 
  • Active Top Secret/SCI w/Poly Clearance.
  • 3+ years of experience in modeling and simulation for aerospace or space systems.
  • Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, NX, or similar) including geometry creation and material property definition.
  • Strong understanding of sensor phenomenology-such as optical, infrared, or radar systems and associated modeling methods.
  • Intermediate Python programming experience, demonstrated through hands-on experience with tasks such as data manipulation, automation, and development of Python-based solutions. Experience with libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, pandas, and matplotlib is beneficial.
  • Ability to communicate technical results clearly in written and verbal formats.


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