1

Flight Simulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Avionics Simulator Technician

Edwards, CA · On-site

$29 - $38/hr

Perform required readiness checks on flight simulation equipment and instruments. * Conduct and document preventative maintenance checks required for simulator and support equipment. * Troubleshoot ...

Perform required readiness checks on flight simulation equipment and instruments. * Conduct and document preventative maintenance checks required for simulator and support equipment. * Troubleshoot ...

The candidate will perform detailed analysis of flexible and rigid body simulations, separation ... Develop and analyze 3DOF and 6DOF flight dynamics models to evaluate vehicle performance, stability ...

Flight Dynamicist

Cardiff By The Sea, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Develop high-fidelity simulations and digital engineering models to support concept development ... Perform flight mechanics analyses including stability and control assessments, separation dynamics ...

Flight Dynamicist

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Develop high-fidelity simulations and digital engineering models to support concept development ... Perform flight mechanics analyses including stability and control assessments, separation dynamics ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Flight Simulation information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$66.7K

$119.9K

How much do flight simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Flight Simulation job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,716 per year, or $32.1 per hour.
Software Engineer - Simulation (Palmdale)

Software Engineer - Simulation (Palmdale)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Simulation Software Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Software organization on site in Palmdale, California, where we define possible.
Join the team to develop the next generation of software for the next generation of platforms. Support development and integration of the latest technologies - AI/ML, Quantum computing, cloud, and digital design - to impact future generation aircraft. Become part of the team that will give our war fighters the advantage over our adversaries. Bring your bold new ideas, and pioneering spirit to our team to invent the future and have some fun along the way.
Accomplish
In this role you will design, develop, integrate and test software for our end-user customers and businesses. Specifically, you will be responsible for the design, architecture, application development, and flight simulation. You will work with multi-disciplinary teams, such as with Systems Engineering, Cloud & Application, Test Automation, DevSecOps and Systems Test, in an Agile software development environment. Our simulation software is critical to the current and future company projects. You will analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls.
Essential Functions:
  • Work in an innovative environment, on significantly diverse assignments, and in collaborative team settings across all levels
  • Participate in the full software development life cycle including requirements, design, implementation, qualification, and delivery of software products to our customers
  • Architect and develop applications in a simulated training environment
  • Be a part of Agile Scrum teams to develop software products for multiple software baselines

Succeed
The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, goal-oriented to help us grow our services, become even better at what we do and will possess the following qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in STEM with 0 years of related engineering experience
  • Experience with the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) - software design requirements, application development, integration, testing, and deployment
  • Experience with at least one of the following programming or scripting languages: C, C++, and Python
  • Experience with two or more of the following tools: Jira, Crucible, Bitbucket, Subversion, Bamboo, Jenkins, Sonarqube, Fortify, or Coverity
  • Must have an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance prior to the commencement of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Strong understanding of C and C++ languages including templates, memory storage, and compiler/linker
  • Experience with or knowledge of Joint Simulation Environment (JSE), Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), or High-Level Architecture (HLA)
  • Experience with Full-Motion Flight Training Systems
  • Experience with simulated threat environments such as AFSIM or NGTS
  • Ability to collaborate with systems engineers, hardware designers and integration/test engineers to develop and maintain complex software systems

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939