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Flight Simulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provide math modeling and simulation development of guidance and flight control algorithms for automatic and piloted manual flight of lunar landers * Develop formal math model and simulation ...

Flight Sciences Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Flight Simulation Development: * Design, implement, and maintain high-fidelity flight simulation models. * Utilize simulation to evaluate aircraft performance and reliability. * Validate simulation ...

Flight Sciences Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Flight Simulation Development: * Design, implement, and maintain high-fidelity flight simulation models. * Utilize simulation to evaluate aircraft performance and reliability. * Validate simulation ...

Sr. Engineer, Aerodynamics

Tustin, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $166K/yr

Serve as the SME for Aerodynamic & Flight Simulation within the System Analysis team, owning technical depth in that domain while interfacing with adjacent disciplines across engineering. In this ...

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Flight Simulation information

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$11K

$67.6K

$121.5K

How much do flight simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulation in the United States is $67,601.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $79,500.00 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.
More about Flight Simulation jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Simulation jobs? Cities with the most Flight Simulation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulation jobs? The most popular types of Flight Simulation jobs are:
What states have the most Flight Simulation jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Simulation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Simulation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,601 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
HLS GN&C Flight Simulation Engineer

HLS GN&C Flight Simulation Engineer

Pae

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration. Amentum is NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States.

Our long-term client relationship with NASA has led to a need for aHuman Landing System (HLS) Flight Control Simulation Engineerwith a JETS II teammate company,Aerodyne Industries.

This position will work with the NASA and JETS engineers to develop and maintain a 6-DOF Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) simulation in support of the NASA HLS Program and will focus primarily on the development of flight control system algorithms for both automated and piloted manual flight of lunar lander vehicles. This HLS simulation is being developed to assist in the design and development of a crewed digital manual control system, prototyping Displays and Controls, and assessment of human-in-the-loop handling qualities.

** We are actively searching for qualified candidates for this potential opening; however, we do not have assurance at this time when the position will be finalized and opened. Because we have strong reason to believe the position will be approved soon, we are proceeding with identifying qualified candidates and conducting interviews. **

The selected applicant will:

  • Provide math modeling and simulation development of guidance and flight control algorithms for automatic and piloted manual flight of lunar landers
  • Develop formal math model and simulation documentation
  • Identify team simulation tasks, resolve simulation related issues and assist team members.
  • Directly interact with the NASA customers, along with various NASA support contractors, during technical meetings and working groups.
  • Perform other duties as required
Requisition Qualifications:

This position has been posted at multiple levels.Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

  • Requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering with experience in the field or in a related area.
  • Experience in the development of flight control systems for aerospace vehicles
  • Experience developing, verifying, and validating GN&C math models and 6-DOF simulations
  • Experience with Linux, C/C++ and Python
  • Experience modeling and analyzing dynamic systems in the frequency domain.
  • Familiarity with system identification and building linear models from time-domain measurements.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize tasks in order to meet deadlines and schedules with limited supervision
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills and the ability to work in a team environment consisting of NASA civil servants and various contractor employees

Requisition Preferences:

  • MS in Aerospace Engineering with on a focus on GN&C and flight controls
  • Knowledge of GN&C principles with a background in flight dynamics/orbital mechanics
  • Knowledge in the design, analysis, and implementation of navigation algorithms
  • Experience contributing to large, multi-language simulation and architectures and ability to learn unfamiliar code bases.
  • Experience with GIT configuration control tool.

Why Join Our Team?

In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also have:

  • Excellent personal and professional career growth
  • 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
  • Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
  • Much, much more!

For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visitwww.wehavespaceforyou.com

  • Must be able tocomplete a U.S. government background investigation.
  • Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

Essential Functions

Work Environment

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).

Equipment and Machines

Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).

Attendance

Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.

Other Essential Functions

Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

#JETS #JETSII

Compensation Details:

EN1-ESS

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

06/25/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.