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Flight Simulation Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Trideum Corporation

Mobile Flight Mission Simulator Operator (MFMS) Simulations Analyst Full-Time White Sands Missile ... simulation systems. * U.S. Citizenship and an active DoD secret clearance is required * Valid U.S ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Berino, NM

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

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Atoka, NM

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

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Roswell, NM

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

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Capitan, NM

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

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All JobsFlight Simulation JobsFlight Simulation Jobs in New Mexico

Flight Simulation information

See New Mexico salary details

$10.7K

$65.5K

$117.7K

How much do flight simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulation in New Mexico is $65,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,600.00 and $77,000.00 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 cities in New Mexico are hiring for Flight Simulation jobs? Cities in New Mexico with the most Flight Simulation job openings:
Flight Simulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Simulation job openings in New Mexico as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,510 per year, or $31.5 per hour.
Flight Simulator SW Engineer II

Flight Simulator SW Engineer II

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

Truth Or Consequences, NM • On-site

$88K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Virgin Galactic rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

The Flight Simulator SW Engineer II is part of the VG's Flight Simulation & Mission Control team within the Spaceline Missions and Mission Operations Group. Occasional work at other VG facilities in the U.S. or abroad may be required. Guided by our values, "Safety Above All", we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Flight Simulator Software Engineer and Programmer to join our team in developing advanced simulation systems for aerospace and aviation applications. This role involves contributing to the architecture, design, and implementation of both high-fidelity and desktop flight simulation environments, integrating hardware/software systems, and enhancing simulation realism.
You will collaborate with our pilot and engineering teams to deliver robust, high-performance simulators used in training, test environments and research. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives on technical challenges, has a strong background in real-time systems, and understands aviation dynamics, whether from an engineering or piloting perspective. Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain software for high-fidelity and desktop flight simulation systems.
  • Integrate flight models, avionics systems, and real or virtual cockpit hardware into simulator environments.
  • Implement shared memory frameworks and synchronization techniques for distributed simulation systems.
  • Support real-time data collection, visualization, and external communication with avionics and networked systems.
  • Architect modular and scalable systems for both engineering development and pilot training use.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including pilots and aerospace engineers.
  • Participate in DevOps and CI/CD pipeline development for streamlined deployment and testing.
  • Conduct code reviews.
  • Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
  • Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks

Required Skills and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of professional experience in software development.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ with working knowledge of other languages and scripting such as C#, bash, or python.
  • Experience with real-time systems, distributed simulation, or embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink, especially S-Functions and model decomposition.
  • Working knowledge of network communication protocols and debugging tools (TCP/UDP, wireshark, etc.).
  • Experience with simulator integration involving shared memory, hardware I/O, or control interfaces.
  • Proficiency in Git-based source control and CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, Docker).
  • Excellent debugging and performance optimization skills in multi-threaded environments.
  • Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
  • Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas

Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Experience with flight simulation frameworks, avionics protocols (ARINC-429, ADS-B, GDL-90), or cockpit control systems.
  • Familiarity with aerospace standards, human factors research, or FAA-related simulation environments.
  • Experience with iOS or embedded applications related to aerospace systems.
  • Knowledge of visualization tools such as OpenGL, or simulation display frameworks.
  • Comfortable working with containerized environments and cloud services like AWS.
  • Strong understanding of systems integration and hardware/software interface design.
  • Background in UI/UX design for technical systems or simulators.
  • Pilot experience (commercial, private, or hobbyist) is a strong plus and highly valued.

#LI-AB1
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $88,477.00-$134,981.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits
Who We Are
Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles .
Export Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here .
EEO Statement
Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Drug Free Workplace
Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing.
Phoenix Employment Requirements
For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge. This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.

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