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Flight Simulation Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

ARA

Staff Missile Test Engineer

Indian Head, MD · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Engineering knowledge and experience in real-time software development, missile/flight simulation and software models, interface programming (Ethernet, serial, parallel input/output, specialized ...

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Flight Simulation information

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$12.5K

$76.6K

$137.6K

How much do flight simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 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 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 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 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:
Flight Simulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Simulation job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,565 per year, or $36.8 per hour.
Engineer Systems Modeling Simulation/Principal Engineer Systems Modeling Simulation

Engineer Systems Modeling Simulation/Principal Engineer Systems Modeling Simulation

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Falls Church, VA

$114K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 340 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.
Essential Functions:
Seeking experienced Modeling Simulation and Analysis Engineer to join the Campaign Analysis (CA) Program, part of Systems Analysis and Simulation (SA&S) Organization. The selected candidate will be responsible for development and analysis of campaign simulations. They will also be responsible for providing guidance on implementing best practices, tools, methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of OA and Systems Engineering processes. They will also be responsible for developing materials and presenting to internal and external stakeholders. Additional activities include:
Developing and implementing comprehensive test strategies, plans, procedures. Ensure compliance with program requirements, industry standards, NG processes as needed.
Soliciting input from various stakeholders, synthesize data, and communicate results to various levels of leadership within the organization.
Developing and translating CONOPs and related tactics into modeled simulation behaviors in campaign-level models
Delivering campaign-level analysis to solve a variety of fleet sizing and operational problems
Collaborating closely with cross functional teams and cross (related) programs and SA&S teams
Developing roadmaps and plans to support Campaign Analysis strategic objectives
Serving as key liaison for inquiries and communications regarding related products and services
Basic Qualifications for the Modeling Simulation and Analysis Engineer:
Engineer Level: 2 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 0 years of relevant experience with Masters' degree;
Principal Engineer Level: 5 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree; 3 years of relevant experience with Masters' degree; or 0 years of relevant experience with PhD
Must be able to obtain and maintain DoD Secret clearance
Experience with Objected Oriented Simulation
Familiar with military operations analysis
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with existing and prospective stakeholders
Strong communication skills to clearly present technical approaches and findings to a variety of audiences
Ability to prioritize and adjust tasks to accomplish project results
Preferred Qualifications for the Principal Modeling Simulation and Analyst Engineer:
Experience with Objected Oriented Python for Simulation
Experienced in Campaign-level Simulation and Modeling Analysis
Experienced in wargaming or virtual simulation at the campaign or mission level
Experience with multi-resolution conceptual model development, verification, and validation processes to develop simulations to address questions on military operations.
Experience with linear and non-linear optimization models and their application
Experience with relevant Operation Analysis Tools: AFSIM, CFAM, STORM, COSAGE
Familiar with team collaboration tools like Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, Github, etc.
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The 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.

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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

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