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Flight Simulation Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

... post flight. Carries out and evaluates Simulation Qualification testing (QTGs) and performs preventative maintenance for each training device, based on the published monthly schedules. Loads ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

We also leverage hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) flight simulation with our FLEX software and simulation to accelerate integration & test. Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PDYN) is an AI software company on a ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

We also leverage hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) flight simulation with our FLEX software and simulation to accelerate integration & test. Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PDYN) is an AI software company on a ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$124K - $164K/yr

We also leverage hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) flight simulation with our FLEX software and simulation to accelerate integration & test. Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PDYN) is an AI software company on a ...

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Flight Simulation information

See Arizona salary details

$10.3K

$63K

$113.2K

How much do flight simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulation in Arizona is $62,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $74,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in flight simulation, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in flight simulation often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving technology, maintaining simulation accuracy, and integrating new aircraft systems into existing platforms. Staying current with software updates and industry best practices is essential to address these issues. Collaboration with engineers, pilots, and training staff also helps ensure that simulations meet real-world training needs and regulatory standards. Regular communication and ongoing professional development are key to overcoming these challenges and excelling in the field.

What are flight simulation jobs?

Flight simulation jobs involve designing, operating, or maintaining flight simulators used for pilot training, aircraft testing, or research. Professionals in this field may work as engineers, technicians, instructors, or software developers. Their responsibilities typically include creating realistic flight scenarios, ensuring simulator accuracy, troubleshooting technical issues, and training pilots to handle various flying conditions. These roles are essential in aviation for safe and cost-effective pilot training, as well as for testing new aircraft technologies.

How much do flight simulator specialists make?

Flight simulator specialists typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and employer. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in simulation software and aircraft systems can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace or defense industries.

How much does a flight simulator instructor make?

Flight simulator instructors typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often hold commercial pilot or instructor certifications and may work irregular hours or shifts in training environments.

How do you become a flight simulator technician?

To become a flight simulator technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with post-secondary training or an associate degree in aviation maintenance, electronics, or a related field. Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, such as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, is often required, and hands-on experience with aircraft systems or simulation equipment is highly valued.

What is the difference between Flight Simulation vs Flight Instructor?

AspectFlight SimulationFlight Instructor
Required CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications, simulator operation licenses, and sometimes pilot licensesRequires pilot licenses, flight hours, and instructor certifications
Work EnvironmentSimulators, training centers, or aerospace facilitiesFlight schools, airports, or training aircraft
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, aerospace companies, military, training centersFlight schools, aviation academies, airlines

Flight Simulation involves operating and managing flight simulators for training or testing purposes, focusing on technical and software skills. Flight Instructors teach pilots in real aircraft or simulators, emphasizing instructional skills and pilot expertise. Both roles are essential in aviation training but differ in environment and certification requirements.

How to get into flight simulation?

To pursue a career in flight simulation, gaining experience with aviation software, flight training, or related technical skills is essential. Many roles require knowledge of simulation hardware, software, and sometimes certifications such as FAA pilot licenses or specialized training programs. Building a strong understanding of aviation principles and technical proficiency can improve job prospects in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Simulation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Simulation Engineer, you need strong skills in aerospace engineering, computer science, and mathematics, typically backed by a relevant degree. Expertise in simulation software (such as MATLAB/Simulink, C++, or flight dynamics modeling tools) and familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills that help address complex technical challenges. These competencies are important to ensure accurate, reliable simulations that support pilot training, aircraft development, and safety standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulation jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Flight Simulation jobs in Arizona are:
Infographic showing various Flight Simulation job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,997 per year, or $30.3 per hour.
Sr. Systems Engineer - GNC Engineer, Auto Pilot Flight Controls

Sr. Systems Engineer - GNC Engineer, Auto Pilot Flight Controls

Raytheon Technologies

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Date Posted:
2026-07-07
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-AZ-TUCSON-805 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 805
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. 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:
Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date
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.
Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today's mission and stay ahead of tomorrow's threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.
Our mission is to develop best in industry technologies that align product capabilities to the needs of our customer. We empower our employees to leverage design commonality and innovation, balancing risk and rigor, to achieve predictable and affordable solutions.
The Processing, Guidance, and Control center is currently hiring for Sr. Systems Engineer - GNC Engineer, Auto Pilot Flight Controls position in Tucson, AZ to support the execution of the portfolio of current and upcoming missile programs. In this role, you'll design, build, and integrate the next generation of advanced flight-control algorithms that directly influence the performance and reliability of critical technologies. You'll partner with specialists across software, firmware, and 6DoF simulation to mature ideas from early concept to proven capability to achieve overall system performance requirements.
What You Will Do
  • Develop and refine flight-control algorithms that enhance overall performance and robustness.
  • Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary engineering team to integrate embedded flight-control software into full-system simulations.
  • Use simulation, ground-test data, and flight-test data to evaluate air-vehicle and missile performance.
  • Diagnose and resolve control-system challenges at various stages of design and integration.
  • Support the development of system architectures, requirements, and technical plans for major program milestones.

Qualifications You Must Have
  • Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related STEM degree and a minimum of 5 years prior relevant experience
  • Experience in flight-control design or analysis
  • Experience with at least two of the following:
    • Classical control system design
    • State-space control system design
    • Modeling system dynamics
    • State-estimation methods
  • Experience programing in a compiled language such as C++, Ada, or Fortran.
  • Experience with MATLAB and/or Simulink.
  • Ability to obtain an Interim Secret U.S. government issued Security Clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain special program access after start. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer
  • An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a STEM discipline.
  • Experience developing an air-vehicle autopilot from early design stages through flight.
  • Background in advanced control methods such as nonlinear, robust, optimal, adaptive, or real-time control.
  • Experience with embedded software and hardware/software integration.
  • Air-vehicle autopilot design experience across varied aerodynamic regimes (subsonic through hypersonic and non-continuum).
  • Familiarity with aero-servo-elasticity, flexible-body dynamics, or system-identification methods.
  • Experience analyzing GNC integration risks using test data.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

What We Offer
  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
  • Relocation Eligible - relocation assistance is available for this position

Learn More & Apply Now!
  • Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role. Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
  • This position requires onsite work in Tucson, AZ: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 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.
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