1

Flight Simulation Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Simulation Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Experience with flight simulation and real-time programming. * Familiarity with military aircraft systems and avionics. * Understanding of networking. * Secret clearance preferred; sponsorship ...

Rotorcraft & Flight Test Engineer The Opportunity: Join a dynamic engineering team focused on ... simulation, and rotorcraft aerodynamics in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment ...

New

You'll take your designs from concept all the way through simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and live flight test. What You'll Do * Design flight control systems for rockets using thrust ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Flight Simulation information

See Washington salary details

$12.5K

$76.6K

$137.6K

How much do flight simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulation in Washington is $76,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,800.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Washington?

The most popular types of Flight Simulation jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Flight Simulation jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Flight Simulation job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Simulation job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,565 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Senior Software Simulation Engineer

By Light Professional IT Services LLC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Veraxx Engineering Corporation, a By Light Company is an engineering services company supplying modeling, simulation, and training solutions.  Services include hardware, software, and system engineering, requirements assessments, system development, integration, testing, documentation, and customer support services. Veraxx has a high level of expertise in flight simulation hardware and software development, as well as computer architecture, tactical environments, interoperability (HLA/DIS), avionics systems, graphics and real-time embedded systems. 


Candidate will have the opportunity to work on a variety of flight simulators and develop/integrate software in areas such as avionics, tactical environments, interfaces to audio, visual, motion, and I/O systems, and Instructor Operator Stations (IOS). Software development is primarily done in the Linux and Windows operating systems using a variety of languages (C/C++, Ada, FORTRAN, C#).


Senior Software Engineers at Veraxx are mid-level experienced S/W developers typically responsible for the development of complex S/W applications in support of projects.  Senior Engineers take direction from Lead S/W engineers to develop S/W throughout all phases of a project including requirements analysis, design, development and test.  Senior S/W Engineers are able to complete task such as developing a S/W interface to an external system or writing a software simulation of an aircraft system with minimal support from a S/W Lead. 

  • Support S/W development activities as tasked by S/W lead.
  • Design S/W architectures for components within a system such as S/W interfaces or models of aircraft components.
  • Prepare S/W documentation and input for design reviews.
  • Interface with customers including presentations of software designs at customer reviews.
  • Ability to work in teams and provide guidance to junior engineers

  • BS Engineering or Computer Science and 5+ years SWE experience
  • Ability to develop in multiple languages including: C, C++, FORTRAN, or Ada
  • Proficient in Visual Studio IDE, GCC compilers / Makefiles
  • Proficient in Windows, UNIX/Linux
  • Software Engineering Concepts & Processes

  • Knowledge of object-oriented design concepts
  • Knowledge of flight simulation
  • Knowledge of real time programming
  • Knowledge of military aircraft systems and avionics a plus.
  • Knowledge of networking

  • Must have or be able to obtain a Secret DOD clearance.

Salary Minimum: $90,000

Salary Maximum: $150,000

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.