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Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer Jobs in California

Elroy Air

Flight Sciences Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

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 ...

Slope

Senior Flight Sciences Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191 - $253/hr

We are looking for software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and front-end mobile ... Flight Simulation Development: * Design, implement, and maintain high‑fidelity flight simulation ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · Hybrid

As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a small hypersonic advanced design team ... Contribute to flight performance simulations through modeling and/or aerodynamic analyses * Analyze ...

Astrolab

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$142K - $235K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Software Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To ... flight software running on a flight computer or automobile simulation integrated with on-board ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a small hypersonic advanced design team ... Contribute to flight performance simulations through modeling and/or aerodynamic analyses * Analyze ...

Hermeus

Senior Software Simulation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Software Simulation Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and deploying real ... Develop and maintain real-time simulation environments for flight control, avionics, and aircraft ...

Hermeus

Senior Software Simulation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$150K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Software Simulation Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and deploying real ... Develop and maintain real-time simulation environments for flight control, avionics, and aircraft ...

Leidos

Flight Dynamicist

Cardiff By The Sea, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop high-fidelity simulations and digital engineering models to support concept development ... Perform flight mechanics analyses including stability and control assessments, separation dynamics ...

Astrolab

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$142K - $235K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The lead simulation engineer will be responsible for directing the technical work of the simulation ... flight software (FSW) verification simulation environment * Work with GNC and software team ...

Leidos

Flight Dynamicist

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop high-fidelity simulations and digital engineering models to support concept development ... Perform flight mechanics analyses including stability and control assessments, separation dynamics ...

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Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer information

What are some common challenges a freelance flight simulator engineer might face when working on multiple client projects?

As a Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer, one of the main challenges is managing diverse client requirements and ensuring simulator compatibility with various hardware and software platforms. Each project may involve different aircraft models, simulation software, or integration needs, requiring flexibility and quick learning. Additionally, effective communication and clear documentation are crucial when collaborating remotely with clients and their technical teams. Balancing multiple deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards across projects are also key aspects of the role.

What does a freelance flight simulator engineer do?

A Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer designs, develops, maintains, and troubleshoots software and hardware systems that replicate real-world flight experiences for training or entertainment purposes. They work independently or on contract to create realistic flight environments, integrate hardware components like controls and displays, and ensure the accuracy of flight models. Their work may involve collaborating with aviation professionals, testing simulator performance, and updating systems to reflect changes in aircraft technology or regulations. Freelance engineers often serve a range of clients, from flight schools to game developers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance flight simulator engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer, you need expertise in software development, aeronautical engineering principles, and simulation technology, typically supported by a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation platforms like Microsoft Flight Simulator SDK, X-Plane, or proprietary systems, as well as programming languages such as C++ and Python, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and effective client communication are standout soft skills in this freelance role. These competencies are vital to deliver high-quality simulation solutions, meet client expectations, and adapt to diverse project requirements in a specialized and evolving field.

What is the difference between Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer vs Flight Simulator Technician?

AspectFreelance Flight Simulator EngineerFlight Simulator Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications, engineering backgroundTechnical certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentIndependent projects, client sites, remote consultingSimulation centers, maintenance facilities
Employer/IndustryFreelance, aviation training, simulation providersSimulation centers, airlines, military
Search/Comparison IntentDesign, customize, troubleshoot flight simulators independentlyMaintain, repair, and operate flight simulators

The main difference is that Freelance Flight Simulator Engineers focus on designing and customizing simulators independently, often working on specific projects for clients. In contrast, Flight Simulator Technicians primarily handle maintenance, repairs, and operational support within simulation facilities. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulator Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Flight Simulator Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer jobs in California?

For Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer job openings:

Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer jobs near you

Flight Sciences Engineer

Elroy Air

Byron, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

At Elroy Air, we build autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) cargo drones to change the way the world moves goods. Transporting cargo by air is faster and more direct than by land or sea, but it has been prohibitively expensive for medium-size loads. We've set out to expand middle-mile logistics possibilities across multiple sectors, with our sights on a $420Bn global total addressable market for cargo logistics across defense, commercial and rapid response.
We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe that the defense, commercial, and rapid response communities need faster, better logistics solutions. We are seeing increasing demand as customers and prospects respond enthusiastically to the systems we've built. As we mature and deploy our offerings, we are looking for people like you: motivated collaborators, enthusiastic about our mission and ready to roll up their sleeves and make a big impact to improve how logistics works around the world. You will play an important role in establishing the Elroy Air Chaparral as the industry standard in this massive market.
We believe diverse perspectives at all levels of the organization are critical to innovation and employee development. This includes but is not limited to gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, religion, age, ability, parenthood status, veteran status, educational background, citizenship status, or any combination of these characteristics.
As a Flight Sciences Engineer at Elroy Air, you will own performance analysis, flight dynamics, and configuration trades across our hybrid-electric lift+cruise VTOL program. You will be the analytical backbone of the vehicle team - reasoning across hover, transition, and cruise regimes, and working directly with propulsion, structures, and controls engineers to drive decisions from early concept through certification.
What you'll own:
  • Own vehicle performance modeling across hover, transition, and cruise: mission analysis, hybrid-electric energy management, climb optimization, and range/endurance trades
  • Build and maintain 6-DOF flight dynamics models for a lift+cruise configuration: aero database construction through the transition corridor, rotor-wing interaction modeling, stability derivatives, and trim analysis in hover, transition, and cruise
  • Contribute to vehicle design trades: feed flight sciences insight into OML shaping, drag reduction, control surface sizing, and flight controls architecture to close performance and handling qualities requirements
  • Derive external flight loads across the operational envelope and collaborate with the structures team to define limit and ultimate load cases, support fatigue analysis, and feed aeroelastic models
  • Support flight test planning, instrumentation requirements, and post-flight data reduction and analysis; correlate measured performance against analytical predictions
  • Build and improve simulation environments used for envelope expansion, handling qualities assessment, and controls development
  • Partner with propulsion and power teams to integrate hybrid-electric powertrain models into mission analysis; define power-required envelopes and binding constraints across the flight profile
  • Contribute to certification planning by authoring compliance analyses, performance substantiation reports, and supporting V&V documentation

Our Ideal Candidate
  • B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field
  • 5+ years of meaningful hands-on experience in flight sciences, vehicle performance, or flight dynamics
  • Proficiency in vehicle performance modeling: energy-based methods, point-mass and full 6-DOF simulation, power-required/available analysis
  • Experience building or working with aerodynamic databases and stability derivative sets for flight simulation or loads analysis
  • Familiarity with flight test methods: test card development, FTI requirements, data reduction, and prediction-to-flight correlation
  • Strong programming skills in Python and/or MATLAB for analysis, post-processing, and tool development
  • Solid understanding of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, or hybrid lift+cruise vehicle aeromechanics
  • Working proficiency with aerodynamic analysis tools across fidelity levels - from low-order methods (panel codes, blade element, XFOIL) through mid-fidelity (RANS CFD): sufficient to set up runs, interpret results, and interface with dedicated CFD engineers
  • Clear technical communication skills: able to distill complex analysis into concise summaries for engineering and program leadership

Bonus Points For:
  • Direct experience with eVTOL, tiltrotor, or lift+cruise configurations - including transition corridor analysis, transition schedule definition, and rotor-wing aerodynamic interaction
  • Background in hybrid-electric propulsion performance modeling: energy management strategy, battery sizing trades, and BSFC/TSFC integration into mission analysis
  • Experience designing internal flows, including ducting, intakes, and cooling flows
  • Rotor and/or propeller design experience
  • Handling qualities assessment experience using ADS-33 or FAA/EASA equivalents
  • Exposure to flight simulation environments: JSBSim, Simulink/FlightGear, or equivalent
  • Experience with certification under FAA Part 23, Part 27, or EASA SC-VTOL frameworks
  • Background in aeroelastics or structural loads as they relate to flight envelope definition

What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary
  • Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced aerospace company
  • Comprehensive medical benefits
  • 401(k) with company contribution + Roth IRA
  • Free daily lunch provided onsite
  • Flexible time-off policy
  • 3 months of paid parental leave
  • Employee assistance program with 24/7 support
  • High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
  • Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
  • You'll work with a motivated, kind, and highly skilled team
  • You'll help shape and define our company culture and values
  • You'll help build and scale a new category of aerospace / logistics technology

$203,000 - $280,000 a year
We encourage you to apply even if you aren't an exact match for our open role as many of our team members come from nontraditional backgrounds.
Elroy Air is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We are committed to an inclusive, harassment-free workplace and we gladly provide reasonable accommodations to support our team.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder). All employees will be screened through E-Verify.
Elroy Air does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters that we do not have a written agreement with and all employment activities are managed through our internal team. We reserve the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes received without being responsible for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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