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Flight Simulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flight Sciences Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · 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 · 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Simulation information

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$11K

$67.6K

$121.5K

How much do flight simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 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.

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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,601 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Principal or Sr Principal Flight Simulation Trainer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
This requisition may be filled at the Principal or Sr Principal level based on requirements listed below.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Flight Simulation Trainer/ Sr. Principal Flight Simulation Trainer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Melbourne, FL for the Product Support Group. Operating on our 9/80 schedule meaning you will get every other Friday off. The position has no opportunity for remote or telework.
• Translates complex aircraft systems and flying procedures to develop detailed flight training curriculum content, including lesson plans, and exercises tailored to specific aircraft types and student skill levels.
• Elicits software and hardware requirements through detailed analysis of technical data to meet customer requirements.
• Leads cross-functional efforts on device functionality testing and the resolution of technical issues.
• Performs product demonstrations of device functionality and capability in support of program milestones and incentives.
• Collaborate with product trainers and engineering teams to provide input on curriculum design and device functionality based on external stakeholder training needs.
• Troubleshoot training device issues with hardware and software engineers to resolve technical problems.
• Test and validate training scenarios within aircrew training devices to ensure accuracy, realism and technical alignment with regulations and standards.
• Conducts instructional sessions, briefings, follow-ups, and proficiency checks on flight simulators in accordance with federal air regulations and company policies and procedures.
• Evaluates trainee progress and recommends qualification or additional training. Reviews simulator design and training effectiveness to provide maximum proficiency.
• Coordinates utilization schedules for training flight crews and necessary engineering support.
• Utilize Instructional Systems Design to solve complex learning and performance problems.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Flight Simulation Trainer (Level 3):
• Bachelor's Degree with 5 years' experience in training and development materials; OR a Masters' Degree with 3 years' experience in training and development materials
• Rated Aircrew (Pilot, Navigator, Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO), Weapon System Officer (WSO), Naval Flight Officer (NFO)).
• Instructor qualification within the past 8 years
• Proficient with Microsoft products
• Final US Government Secret Clearance to be considered and the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Top-Secret Clearance
• Must have ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Flight Simulation Trainer (Level 4):
• Bachelor's Degree with 8 years' experience in training and development materials; OR a Master's Degree with 6 years' experience in training and development materials
• Rated Aircrew (Pilot, Navigator, Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO), Weapon System Officer (WSO), Naval Flight Officer (NFO)).
• Instructor qualification within the past 8 years
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products
• Final US Government Secret Clearance to be considered and the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Top-Secret Clearance
• Must have ability to obtain and maintain Program Access (PAR) within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Science Degree in STEM
• FTU / FRS instructor
• Experienced/ combat mission ready in one or more combat mission design series (MDS) or type/model/series (TMS) with A, F, or B designations
• U. S. Air Force or U.S. Navy Weapons School graduate (e.g., USAFWS, TOPGUN, HAVOC, MAWTS)
• Experience in task analysis procedures and training systems products
• Experience with Atlassian suite of cloud-based collaboration tools
• Experience with Scaled Agile Framework
• Experience with databases
• Experience using courseware development tools
• Experience with military courseware development
• A current, active in-scope Government Top-Secret clearance
• B-1, B-2, or B-52 experience
• Instructional System Design (ISD) education, training, and /or experience from an accredited institution, ACC ISD principles course, ACC classroom instructor course, training support squadron (TRSS) detachment experience
#MPR
Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $111,700.00 - $167,500.00
The 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