ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Simulator Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobgether

Working closely with developers and fellow testers, you will assess builds across Microsoft Flight Simulator and related platforms. Your work will span functional testing, visual quality, performance ...

New

Anduril Industries

Flight Sciences Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Validate simulation accuracy against wind tunnel and flight test results * Testing: * Work with Flight Test personnel to plan and execute tests to evaluate aircraft performance * Plan and coordinate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTravel JobsAviation JobsAerospace Engineer JobsFlight Simulator Tester Jobs

Flight Simulator Tester information

See salary details

$48K

$87.1K

$133K

How much do flight simulator tester jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulator tester in the United States is $87,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Flight Simulator Tester vs Flight Instructor?

AspectFlight Simulator TesterFlight Instructor
Required CredentialsTypically requires a pilot license, simulator experience, and technical knowledgeRequires a pilot license, flight hours, and instructor certification
Work EnvironmentTesting labs, simulation centers, aerospace companiesFlight schools, airports, training aircraft
Industry UsageUsed mainly in aerospace, simulation development, and testingUsed in pilot training and aviation education

While both roles involve aviation expertise and pilot credentials, Flight Simulator Testers focus on evaluating and improving flight simulation software and hardware, often working in testing labs. Flight Instructors, on the other hand, train pilots directly in real aircraft or simulators. The roles differ in their primary focus—testing versus training—but share similar certification requirements and industry environments.

Does a flight simulator tester have a career?

A flight simulator tester can have a viable career, as it involves evaluating flight simulation software and hardware for quality and accuracy. The role often requires technical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of aviation or simulation systems, with opportunities for advancement in the aerospace or gaming industries.

How to become a flight simulator tester?

To become a flight simulator tester, candidates typically need a background in aviation, software testing, or related fields, along with strong attention to detail and familiarity with flight simulation software. Relevant skills include understanding aircraft systems, troubleshooting, and sometimes obtaining certifications such as a pilot license or software testing credentials. Experience with simulation hardware and software is also beneficial for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Simulator Tester jobs?

For Flight Simulator Tester jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Flight Simulator Tester job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 84% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $87,144 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Flight Simulator Technician

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Purdue University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Purdue Universityexternal

$44K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform installation, testing, modification, troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of flight simulator systems and related electronic and mechanical components.

  • Maintain simulator systems and documentation in compliance with applicable codes and standards.

  • Provide technical support and collaborate with instructors and school leadership on emerging technologies and new simulator acquisitions.

Purdue University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Flight Simulator Technician
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
The Flight Simulator Technician provides maintenance and operational support for the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology's advanced flight simulators, including a Level D Hawker 900XP full-motion simulator, Level 5 Airbus A320, Level 5 Boeing 737, and a fleet of AATDs - ensuring all systems operate within manufacturer specifications and FAA standards to support instructional delivery.
The technician independently performs installation, testing, modification, troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of complex electronic and mechanical systems, including video systems, fiber optics, data cabling, and related components, as well as software installation, configuration, and testing. The position maintains simulator systems and documentation in compliance with applicable codes and standards, provides technical expertise and support to colleagues, and collaborates with instructors and school leadership on emerging technologies and new simulator acquisitions.
At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together.
Take the next step in your career journey - apply now to help build a better world at Purdue University.
Who We Are at Purdue University:
When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we've been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation.
What We're Looking For :
Education and Experience
Qualified candidates will need:
  • Associates or vocational degree in electronic technology, avionics, computer systems, or a related field - or equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree.
  • Two or more years of experience in flight simulators, avionics, electronics, or a related technical discipline.

Skills needed:
  • Demonstrated ability to complete assigned technical tasks accurately and on schedule.
  • Skilled in system-level troubleshooting using diagnostic tools and software utilities.
  • Ability to interpret technical drawings, wiring diagrams, and maintenance manuals related to flight simulators and mechanical systems.
  • Proficient in diagnosing and resolving issues across computer hardware, software, and basic networking systems related to simulator operations.
  • Strong customer service and communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Capable of working independently and within a team to identify issues, implement solutions, and support operational goals.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and common technical documentation tools

What is helpful :
  • Experience with full-motion flight simulators is strongly preferred.
  • Candidates with a combination of mechanical maintenance experience and electronics or computer systems experience are encouraged to apply.
  • Pilot experience and familiarity with virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), or gaming technologies are both highly valued

What We Would Like You to Know :
Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
A background check will be required for employment in this position
FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
Career Stream
Fire, Police, and, Skilled, Trades 3
Pay Band S055
Job Code #20003335
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $44,500 to $61,900 commensurate with the candidate's education and experience. The final salary offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including equity, available budget, educational background, and relevant experience.
Who We Are:
Purdue University is a land grant-university dedicated to learning, discovery, and engagement. The School of Aviation and Transportation Technology is home to four undergraduate majors, including Professional Flight Technology, Aviation Management, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, and Unmanned Aerial Systems, all leading to a B.S. degree. Students may also pursue M.S., M.S. online, and Ph.D. degrees. The Professional Flight, Aviation Management, and Aeronautical Engineering Technology programs are professionally accredited and are nationally recognized for educating graduates who become successful leaders in a wide variety of aviation, aerospace, and space careers.
EOE :
Purdue University is an EOE employer.

What Purdue University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply