1

Flight Simulation Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance or readiness oversight. Officers assume significant responsibility early, leading aircrews ...

Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance or readiness oversight. Officers assume significant responsibility early, leading aircrews ...

Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance or readiness oversight. Officers assume significant responsibility early, leading aircrews ...

Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance or readiness oversight. Officers assume significant responsibility early, leading aircrews ...

Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance or readiness oversight. Officers assume significant responsibility early, leading aircrews ...

Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance or readiness oversight. Officers assume significant responsibility early, leading aircrews ...

Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance or readiness oversight. Officers assume significant responsibility early, leading aircrews ...

Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance or readiness oversight. Officers assume significant responsibility early, leading aircrews ...

Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance or readiness oversight. Officers assume significant responsibility early, leading aircrews ...

Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance or readiness oversight. Officers assume significant responsibility early, leading aircrews ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Flight Simulation information

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 Illinois? The most popular types of Flight Simulation jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Flight Simulation jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Flight Simulation job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Simulation job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution.
NTT Faculty - Assistant Instructor (Chief Flight Instructor)

NTT Faculty - Assistant Instructor (Chief Flight Instructor)

Southern Illinois University

Carbondale, IL • On-site

$7.9K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Southern Illinois University rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

564th of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Salary: $7,917.00 Monthly
Location : Carbondale, Illinois
Job Type: Faculty
Job Number: 2600346
Department: School of Aviation-SIUC
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
FLSA:: Exempt
Security/Safety Sensitive:: NA
FTE: 1.0
Description
The School of Aviation, within the College of Health and Human Sciences at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, invites applications for a 12-month, NTT position beginning August 1, 2026. For full consideration, apply before July 24, 2026. Application review will continue until the position is filled. A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement options and tuition waiver is provided.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
This position is represented by SIU Carbondale Non-Tenure Track Faculty Association/IEA-NEA. For more information regarding salary and other details please visit:
Examples of Duties
Serves as the accountable manager for 14 CFR 141 and TSA Parts 1550 and 1552, and local aviation authorities.
  • Maintain certification of flight simulation training devices (FAR Part 60) and uphold relationships with the FAA FSDO, TSA, and local ATC.
  • Certify student records, tests, and graduation certificates in line with FAR Part 141.
  • Conduct student stage checks and monitor flight progress.
  • Measure flight instructor proficiency and offer TSA annual security training.
  • Assist the Director in the evaluation of flight instructors, including review for conversion to a continuing appointment.
  • Audit and coordinate all flight and ground instructors and serve as instructor of record for all AF courses.
  • Develop and maintain FAA-compliant course materials, academic degree curriculum and syllabi.
  • Manages the executive transportation unit.
  • Assist Aviation Flight Program Coordinator and the School Director with academic, administrative and fiscal matters for the Aviation Flight program.
  • Review safety recommendations and work with the Aviation Flight Safety Officer in accordance with SMS.
  • Support the FAR Part 145 repair station, line service, Part 141 flight operations, FAA testing center, and executive transportation units.
  • Engage in professional service activities related to aviation flight.
  • To engage in duties as assigned by the School Director.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Valid Flight Instructor certificate with ASEL, AMEL, and Instrument ratings
  • Meet the qualifications of 14 CFR 141.35 Chief Instructor Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:
  • FAR Part 135 or Part 121 flight or/and training experience
  • Experience in a university flight training
  • Interested in performance assessment
  • Interested in project planning and execution

Required Documents: Submit a letter of application, CV/Resume, certificate/licenses, and three references.
Contact: Bryan Harrison,
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an R1 Opportunity University with a statewide economic impact of $2.7 billion dollars. We offer 200+ undergraduate degrees, minors and specializations, 79 master's degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1,136 acres, with additional acreage in University Farms, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, and other facilities. The university is an essential part of the city of Carbondale and an important contributor to the culture of the entire region. While Carbondale includes many of the amenities of urban life, it retains its small-town flavor. Cost of living is considerably lower in the region than similar areas elsewhere, and many employees commute from nearby counties.
The Southern Illinois region is distinct from the rest of the state, boasting considerable natural beauty including the Shawnee National Forest, many state parks, national wildlife areas, and several lakes beloved for recreation. Local foods are readily available in the area, with a variety of eateries and a growing specialized food truck presence. The area is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, an official wine appellation designation. The wineries extend the cultural reach of the community, hosting live music and continual art exhibits. The campus itself is a microcosm of the area, with a lake and forest on campus, as well as traditional collegiate architecture, quad, and residential halls. Students enjoy outdoor study areas as well as specialized computer labs scattered across campus, including in the three million volume Morris Library. To learn about , , and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, visit:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran. The university will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations.
University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). These benefits include: Health Insurance plans (HMOs, OAPs, QCHP and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts, MCAP and DCAP, and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.
Other benefits available to eligible employees include: Generous paid time-off, 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans, and Employee Assistance Program.
SIUC also provides extensive tuition benefits for its employees and their families such as: tuition waiver/application fee waiver for the employee and their dependents, a Legacy tuition rate for children of SIU Alumni, and Civil Service Employee Counsel (CSEC) Education Assistance Program (EAP)
For more information please visit: https://hr.siu.edu/benefits/

What Southern Illinois University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom