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Flight Simulator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

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 ...

Anduril Industries

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 ...

KBR

Flight Operations Project Specialist

China Lake, CA · On-site

$51K - $60K/yr

Title: Flight Operations Project Specialist KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex ... Department of War, specializing in modeling and simulation, cyber transformation, air vehicle ...

Caeus

Field Engineer/Simulator Technician

Edwards, CA · On-site

Calibrate, install, maintain, repair, and test flight simulators, and other support equipment. * Install changes and updates to simulators and support equipment as required. * Perform required ...

Elroy Air

Flight Sciences Engineer

Byron, CA · Hybrid

$203K - $280K/yr

As a Flight Sciences Engineer at Elroy Air, you will own performance analysis, flight dynamics, and ... Build and improve simulation environments used for envelope expansion, handling qualities ...

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All JobsFlight Simulator JobsFlight Simulator Jobs in California

Flight Simulator information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$120.1K

$190.5K

How much do flight simulator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulator in California is $120,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,300.00 and $172,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Flight Simulator position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Flight Simulator Technician role, you need strong technical aptitude in electronics, computer systems, and avionics, supported by an associate degree or relevant technical certifications. Familiarity with flight simulation hardware, software platforms like CAE or FlightSafety, and diagnostic tools is essential. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities enable technicians to excel in troubleshooting and collaborative environments. These skills ensure safe, reliable, and high-fidelity operation of flight simulators critical for pilot training and aviation safety.

What is a Flight Simulator job?

A Flight Simulator job involves operating, maintaining, or instructing with flight simulation systems used for pilot training and aircraft testing. Professionals in this role may develop simulation scenarios, ensure hardware and software functionality, and provide feedback to pilots and trainees. These jobs exist in aviation training centers, military organizations, and aerospace companies. The role requires technical expertise, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of aviation principles.

How much do flight simulator specialists make?

Flight simulator specialists typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Salaries can vary based on location, the complexity of simulators operated, and whether the role is full-time or part-time.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Flight Simulator Technician?

Flight Simulator Technicians are responsible for performing routine maintenance, repairs, and system updates on flight simulation equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety standards. They conduct pre-use and post-use checks, troubleshoot technical issues, run diagnostics, and make necessary hardware or software adjustments. Collaboration with flight instructors, pilots, and engineering teams is common to support training schedules and resolve user-reported problems efficiently. The role often involves detailed record-keeping and occasional upgrades as new simulation technology is introduced, ensuring the simulators meet industry and regulatory requirements.

Is there a demand for flight instructors?

There is consistent demand for flight instructors as they play a key role in training new pilots and helping experienced pilots maintain their skills. Job opportunities often increase with pilot certification requirements and flight school growth, and instructors typically need a commercial pilot license and flight instructor certification. The demand can vary based on regional aviation activity and industry needs.

How much do flight simulator instructors get paid?

Flight simulator instructors typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Full-time positions often include benefits and may offer annual salaries ranging from $40,000 to $80,000. Certification and familiarity with specific flight simulation software can influence pay rates.

How to become a flight simulator technician?

To become a flight simulator technician, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or an associate degree in electronics, avionics, or a related field. Relevant skills include troubleshooting, electrical systems knowledge, and familiarity with simulation software and hardware; certifications such as FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) can also enhance job prospects. Experience with maintenance, repair, and calibration of complex electronic systems is often required.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulator jobs in California? The most popular types of Flight Simulator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Simulator jobs in California? For Flight Simulator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Simulator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Simulator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Simulator jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Simulator job openings:
Flight Simulator jobs near you
Senior Simulation Engineer

Senior Simulation Engineer

Metis Technology Solutions Inc

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted just now

Job description

Senior Simulation Engineer


The successful applicant will lead simulation and technology projects and experiments, and be part of a team that develops, maintains, and runs simulations in flight simulator facilities at NASA Ames Research Center's SimLabs. SimLabs consists of the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS), the largest vertical motion simulator in the world; the Advanced Concepts Flight Simulator (ACFS), a hexapod simulator being readied for passenger ride quality research; and FutureFlight Central (FFC), an Air Traffic Control (ATC) simulation facility. The Simulation Engineer will work with team members and research customers to develop, integrate, and test real-time aircraft and spacecraft simulations to fulfill research requirements, generate and validate research data, and provide support during human-in-the-loop simulations to ensure research goals are met. See www.nasa.gov/simlabs and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBgvGmhLFXk&t=66s for more information about SimLabs.


Responsibilities

  1. The Senior Simulation Engineer is responsible for overall management and engineering activities of simulation experiments and technology projects, including:
    1. Project plan development and tracking.
    2. Simulation team task management.
    3. Customer collaboration, and requirements management.
  2. Works within a very software-diverse laboratory environment, addressing system functionality across multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux) and software languages (C/C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Java).
  3. Designs, implements, and modifies aircraft math models and other simulation-specific code per customer requirements. Tests and verifies that models and code meet operational performance requirements.
  4. Works closely with the simulation engineering team to initiate, address, and test new software features and bug fixes.
  5. Operates flight simulators according to research/test plans and serves as the main point of communication for customers and simulation team members involved in running a simulation.
  6. Implements and tests new simulation hardware in the existing simulation infrastructure.
  7. Generates documentation for new software and hardware capabilities, and simulation projects.

Required Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.
  2. More than five years of work experience or other equivalent experience.
  3. Experience in modeling and simulation or equivalent engineering activities.
  4. Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and converting Simulink models to C code using Simulink Coder.
  5. Experience in simulation experiment management.
  6. Strong programming background (e.g., C/C++).
  7. Excellent communication skills.
  8. Eager to learn and understand the simulation software and technologies at SimLabs.


Desired Qualifications

  1. Experience with real-time human-in-the-loop flight simulations and simulators.
  2. Experience in disciplines such as aerodynamics, flight dynamics, flight controls, propulsion, and navigation systems.
  3. Knowledge of Unix shell scripting.
  4. Experience with configuration management tools (such as Git and SVN) and software life cycle practices.


EEOE Including Vets and Disability

No Visa Sponsorship available for this position.