ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer Jobs in Oregon

Merlin Labs

Staff Engineer, Core Flight Controls

OR · On-site +1

$200K - $265K/yr

You are an experienced flight controls engineer passionate about autonomous flight who wants to ... Help create and use the simulation tools needed for development and testing including * Simulink ...

AeroVironment

Systems Engineer, Sr.

OR · On-site +1

$111K - $170K/yr

Work with Senior Staff Engineers in developing instrumented flight test vectors and data acquisition * Provide input for model development and simulation analysis * Review and interpret customer ...

New

Merlin Labs

Autonomy Software Engineer

OR · On-site +1

$130K - $175K/yr

Contribute to simulation, integration, and flight test activities to validate autonomy software in ... Degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, robotics, or a related field. * BS and 3+ or MS ...

Merlin Labs

Senior Systems Engineer, Integration

OR · On-site +1

$165K - $215K/yr

You've worked in an experimental R&D flight test environment with general civil certified or ... Work across the safety, hardware, simulation, and software teams to capture, document, and ...

Merlin Labs

Senior Systems Engineer, Integration

OR · On-site +1

$165K - $215K/yr

You've worked in an experimental R&D flight test environment with general civil certified or ... Work across the safety, hardware, simulation, and software teams to capture, document, and ...

IRPI LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

We design and build flight systems for spacecraft, habitats, and suits, advancing systems that ... just simulate. * Strong command of test instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis (Excel ...

IRPI

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Wilsonville, OR

$108K - $142K/yr

We design and build flight systems for spacecraft, habitats, and suits, advancing systems that ... just simulate. * Strong command of test instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis (Excel ...

IRPI

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

We design and build flight systems for spacecraft, habitats, and suits, advancing systems that ... just simulate. * Strong command of test instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis (Excel ...

IRPI

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

We design and build flight systems for spacecraft, habitats, and suits, advancing systems that ... just simulate. * Strong command of test instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis (Excel ...

U.S. Navy

Surface Warfare Officer

Woodburn, OR

... flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems ... and simulator environments ashore that support training, planning, and staff duties. Pathways ...

U.S. Navy

Surface Warfare Officer

Pendleton, OR

... flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems ... and simulator environments ashore that support training, planning, and staff duties. Pathways ...

U.S. Navy

Surface Warfare Officer

Cornelius, OR

... flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems ... and simulator environments ashore that support training, planning, and staff duties. Pathways ...

U.S. Navy

Surface Warfare Officer

Shady Cove, OR

... flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems ... and simulator environments ashore that support training, planning, and staff duties. Pathways ...

U.S. Navy

Surface Warfare Officer

Prineville, OR

... flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems ... and simulator environments ashore that support training, planning, and staff duties. Pathways ...

U.S. Navy

Surface Warfare Officer

Cottage Grove, OR

... flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems ... and simulator environments ashore that support training, planning, and staff duties. Pathways ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFlight Simulator Engineer JobsFreelance Flight Simulator Engineer JobsFreelance Flight Simulator Engineer Jobs in Oregon

Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer information

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 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 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 Oregon?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Flight Simulator Engineer job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Staff Engineer, Core Flight Controls

Merlin Labs

OR • On-site, Remote

$200K - $265K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About Merlin:
Merlin (NASDAQ: MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company building a non-human pilot to deliver full-stack autonomy for any aircraft from takeoff to touchdown. The Merlin Pilot autonomy system powers a growing range of aircraft and mission profiles and has been proven through hundreds of autonomous flights from Merlin's global flight test facilities, including Kerikeri, New Zealand; Quonset Point, Rhode Island; and soon, Bedford, Massachusetts. Headquartered in Boston, Merlin is expanding its organization to accelerate the development and deployment of its autonomy platform, helping customers solve some of aviation's most pressing challenges, from pilot shortages to improving flight safety. Backed by some of the world's leading investors prior to its public listing, Merlin continues to advance the certification and commercialization of autonomous flight across commercial and defense aviation. 

About you:
You are an experienced flight controls engineer passionate about autonomous flight who wants to contribute to making airplanes fly themselves. You are familiar with fixed wing aircraft and the classical and modern methods used to control them automatically. You know how to use industry standard tools for this work, and you are excited to work on novel applications.

Responsibilities:
  • Design and implement flight controls for our aircraft automation system.
  • Decompose system requirements into low level flight controls requirements
  • Help create and use the simulation tools needed for development and testing including
  • Simulink control law modeling, analysis using MATLAB and Python.
  • Participate in flight testing for system identification and verification of control law performance on multiple aircraft types.
  • Own the flight control system from end-to-end and be responsible for product delivery to programs and customers
  • Collaborate across Merlin to develop novel, certifiable systems to solve the toughest problems in aviation and autonomy.
Qualifications:
  • BS in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering
  • 10+ years of experience developing control systems for fixed wing aircraft, with demonstrated understanding of fixed wing aircraft dynamics, classical and modern control design / analysis
  • Experience decomposing systems requirements into high level requirements for both outer loop and inner loop control design
  • Experience working in Model Based Development and certification of flight control systems, including proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink or another model-based development toolset
  • Experience designing, implementing, and testing software for real-time systems
  • Experience with linear model development, linear analysis and frequency domain gain tuning techniques
Nice to Haves:
  • MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering and/or Controls
  • Experience developing never-before-flown control systems
  • Experience extracting linear state space models from flight test data
  • Experience working directly with customers and being a company representative
  • Pilot license
  • Proficiency in C/C++ or Python
$200,000 - $265,000 a year
The compensation range provided is a good-faith estimate based on a wide range of factors, inclusive of base salary only. The actual offer will be determined by a variety of factors including the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, education, and training. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Merlin's total compensation package. Additionally, Merlin offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees.
Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.
 
Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military service or obligation or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background and reference checks.
 
At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future. 
 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
 
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: [email protected]
 
Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.
apply for this job

Apply