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Flight Simulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Archer

Program Manager, Flight Sciences

San Jose, CA · On-site

$172.80K - $216K/yr

This is a highly cross-functional role that ensures technical, schedule, and cost alignment for analysis, simulation, and test activities that directly enable vehicle performance, flight readiness ...

Archer

Senior Engineer, Modeling & Simulation

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$122.80K - $173.60K/yr

Develop Flight Simulation Physics Models for eVTOL aircraft * Support vehicle level trade studies * Update system electrical, thermal, and performance model fidelity based on lab and flight test data ...

Archer

Program Manager, Flight Sciences

San Jose, CA · On-site

$172.80K - $216K/yr

This is a highly cross-functional role that ensures technical, schedule, and cost alignment for analysis, simulation, and test activities that directly enable vehicle performance, flight readiness ...

Archer

Senior Engineer, Modeling & Simulation

San Jose, CA · On-site

$122.80K - $173.60K/yr

Develop Flight Simulation Physics Models for eVTOL aircraft * Support vehicle level trade studies * Update system electrical, thermal, and performance model fidelity based on lab and flight test data ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · Hybrid

Contribute to flight performance simulations through modeling and/or aerodynamic analyses * Analyze wind tunnel and flight test data, as required * Develop advanced design tools, as required

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

Contribute to flight performance simulations through modeling and/or aerodynamic analyses * Analyze wind tunnel and flight test data, as required * Develop advanced design tools, as required

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Flight Simulation information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$66.7K

$119.9K

How much do flight simulation jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulation in California is $66,716.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulation jobs in California? The most popular types of Flight Simulation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Simulation jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Simulation job openings:
Flight Simulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Simulation job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,716 per year, or $32.1 per hour.
Program Manager, Flight Sciences

Program Manager, Flight Sciences

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$172.80K - $216K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
As a Flight Sciences Program Manager, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing efforts across Archer's Flight Sciences organization, including Aerodynamics, Acoustics, Vehicle Performance and Flight Simulation, and Thermal Management, in close partnership with Engineering, Aircraft Integration, Flight Test, Program Management, and Supply Chain. This is a highly cross-functional role that ensures technical, schedule, and cost alignment for analysis, simulation, and test activities that directly enable vehicle performance, flight readiness, and certification.
This role requires strong technical intuition, disciplined program execution, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous development environment.
What You'll Do
  • Build and maintain strong relationships across Archer teams, including Flight Sciences, Aircraft Integration, Engineering, Flight Test, Program Management, and Supply Chain.
  • Act as the primary interface between Flight Sciences and cross-functional stakeholders on deliverables, priorities, issues, and resolution.
  • Own execution for assigned Flight Sciences scope; aligning to program requirements and major milestones.
  • Partner closely with Flight Sciences leadership and technical leads to plan and execute analysis, simulation, and test campaigns that support vehicle development, integration, and certification.
  • Develop and maintain detailed, task-based schedules supporting simulation development, aero/acoustic analyses, wind tunnel testing, and flight test correlation activities.
  • Lead program kickoffs, execution reviews, and milestone/gate reviews; track and report progress against the program management plan.
  • Drive supplier performance within the flight sciences domain, ensuring all contractual milestones are met through strategic planning and proactive execution.
  • Identify, manage, and drive closure of program Risks, Issues, and Opportunities, with particular focus on performance, correlation, and schedule risk.
  • Prepare and present executive-level summaries, performance metrics, and readiness assessments to senior leadership.
What You Need
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, technical program management, or engineering roles.
  • Experience in flight sciences disciplines, including aerodynamics, flight simulation, thermal management and/or acoustics, and how they support aircraft design, integration, and flight test.
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent degree.
  • Experience successfully managing and driving complex, technically driven development programs and distilling large volumes of information into clear, executive-level communication.
  • Proven experience managing cross-functional dependencies and technically complex schedules.
  • Expertise in identifying schedule drivers and critical paths to optimize simulation and test workflows. .
  • Experience with Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar scheduling tools.
  • Experience with Jira and Confluence for task tracking and collaborative documentation.
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity and re-prioritize deliverables in a fast-paced, evolving technical environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
Bonus Qualifications
  • Experience in aerospace vehicle development, advanced air mobility, or test programs.
  • Familiarity with flight test planning, simulation validation, and model-to-flight correlation.
  • Experience supporting certification programs and performance compliance efforts.

At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $172,800 - $216,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.

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