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Flight Simulation Engineer Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$115K - $215K/yr

Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation ... Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, analyze, and improve ...

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$115K - $215K/yr

Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation ... Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, analyze, and improve ...

Principal HWIL Electrical Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$137K - $168K/yr

You will be a member of multidiscipline engineering teams performing design, development, and integration of missile flight simulation systems. * Typical work involves the development of both ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Simulation Engineer information

See Dallas, TX salary details

$38.6K

$122.1K

$188.4K

How much do flight simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulation engineer in Dallas, TX is $122,071.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,000.00 and $144,900.00 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 job categories do people searching Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Simulation Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX are:

Infographic showing various Flight Simulation Engineer job openings in Dallas, TX as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $122,071 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Senior Staff Engineer, Flight Controls - X-BAT (R4812)

Dallas, TX • On-site

Shield AI
Software Development • 11 - 50 employees

$220K - $340K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
In this role, you will own the flight control system for XBAT, with responsibility for delivering stable, predictable, and operationally robust performance across all phases of flight, including vertical takeoff, hover, transition out-bound, wing-borne flight, transition in-bound, and precision recovery.
What you'll do:
  • Design and deliver the flight control system across all phases of flight including control allocation strategies that manage actuator redundancy, saturation, and degraded operations.
  • Lead development of high-fidelity 6DOF simulation environments and ensure accurate pre-flight performance predictions
  • Define and execute the verification strategy, including linear analysis, Monte Carlo campaigns, disturbance/sensitivity/degraded operation testing, and HIL validation
  • Diagnose and resolve simulation-to-flight mismatches, including unidentified dynamics and modeling gaps
  • Support flight test operations, making risk-informed decisions and driving rapid iteration between flights
  • Integrate control systems with propulsion, aero, actuation, sensors, state estimation, and autonomy, ensuring the vehicle behaves predictably under real-world disturbances and uncertainties
  • Mentor and guide engineers while setting the technical standard for control system performance and rigor

Required qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience in flight controls / GNC on real flight vehicles, with demonstrated ownership from design through flight test
  • Demonstrated experience with control allocation design and implementation for over-actuated systems with provisions for saturation and failure accommodation.
  • Strong background in:
    • Flight dynamics and 6DOF simulation
    • Control theory and nonlinear systems
  • Experience executing full V&V cycles, including pre-flight performance prediction, Monte Carlo analysis, flight readiness assessment, and post-flight analysis
  • Proficiency in C++, MATLAB/Simulink, and/or Python, with experience deploying real-time algorithms
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications:
  • VTOL or transition aircraft experience where control blending and allocation were critical to success
  • Autonomous systems or missile/UAV GNC background
  • Experience with flight safety, airworthiness, and mission assurance
  • Familiarity with:
    • Sensor and air data systems
    • Fault-tolerant or adaptive control
    • CI/CD pipelines and modern DevSecOps practices
  • Experience with HIL or integrated simulation/test environments and Linux-based development workflows (Git, etc.)
  • Experience operating in rapid development environments with tight iteration loops between simulation and test

$220,000 - $340,000 a year
#LI-SM1
#LE
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.