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Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor Jobs in Chantilly, VA

Deputy Program Manager - Top Secret

Springfield, VA ยท On-site

$121K/yr

... Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) support * Serve as a designated Key Personnel, requiring ... simulation, 3D imaging, and virtual instructor-led training (VILT). * Demonstrated ability to ...

Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor information

See Chantilly, VA salary details

$14

$22

$31

How much do freelance flight simulator instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance flight simulator instructor in Chantilly, VA is $22.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $24.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance flight simulator instructor?

A Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor is a professional pilot or aviation expert who provides training and instruction on flight simulators, typically on a contract or per-session basis rather than as a full-time employee of a flight school or airline. They help students or pilots practice procedures, improve their flying skills, and prepare for certifications or proficiency checks using advanced simulation equipment. These instructors may work with private individuals, flight schools, or corporate clients, offering flexible scheduling and tailored training programs. Their expertise ensures that trainees receive realistic, high-quality instruction to enhance safety and proficiency in real-world flying.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor, you need in-depth aviation knowledge, relevant pilot certifications (such as a CPL or ATPL), and experience with flight training. Familiarity with specific flight simulator platforms (like Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, or FAA-approved training devices) and associated training software is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and adaptability help tailor instruction to diverse student needs and learning styles. These skills ensure effective training, student safety, and a high standard of instruction in both simulated and real-world aviation environments.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance flight simulator instructors, and how can they be managed?

Freelance flight simulator instructors often encounter challenges such as managing irregular work schedules, adapting to various client learning styles, and keeping up with the latest simulator technology and aviation regulations. To manage these, it's helpful to maintain a flexible calendar, invest in ongoing professional development, and actively communicate with clients to tailor instruction to individual needs. Building a strong professional network can also help identify new opportunities and provide support for staying current with industry trends.

What is the difference between Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor vs Flight School Flight Instructor?

AspectFreelance Flight Simulator InstructorFlight School Flight Instructor
CertificationsFlight instructor certification, simulator trainingFlight instructor certification, simulator training
Work EnvironmentVarious locations, self-employed, flexible scheduleFlight school facilities, fixed schedule
EmployerSelf-employed or contractedFlight schools or training centers
Work FocusProviding simulator training to individual clients or groupsTraining students within a structured program

Freelance Flight Simulator Instructors operate independently, offering flexible, personalized simulator training to clients, while Flight School Flight Instructors work within established flight schools, following structured curricula. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in work environment and employment structure.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Chantilly, VA?

For Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Chantilly, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Chantilly, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Chantilly, VA are:

What cities near Chantilly, VA are hiring for Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs?

Cities near Chantilly, VA with the most Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor job openings in Chantilly, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,036 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Senior Software Simulation Engineer

Chantilly, VA โ€ข On-site

By Light Professional IT Services LLC
IT Servicesย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$90K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Veraxx Engineering Corporation, a By Light Company is an engineering services company supplying modeling, simulation, and training solutions.  Services include hardware, software, and system engineering, requirements assessments, system development, integration, testing, documentation, and customer support services. Veraxx has a high level of expertise in flight simulation hardware and software development, as well as computer architecture, tactical environments, interoperability (HLA/DIS), avionics systems, graphics and real-time embedded systems. 


Candidate will have the opportunity to work on a variety of flight simulators and develop/integrate software in areas such as avionics, tactical environments, interfaces to audio, visual, motion, and I/O systems, and Instructor Operator Stations (IOS). Software development is primarily done in the Linux and Windows operating systems using a variety of languages (C/C++, Ada, FORTRAN, C#).


Senior Software Engineers at Veraxx are mid-level experienced S/W developers typically responsible for the development of complex S/W applications in support of projects.  Senior Engineers take direction from Lead S/W engineers to develop S/W throughout all phases of a project including requirements analysis, design, development and test.  Senior S/W Engineers are able to complete task such as developing a S/W interface to an external system or writing a software simulation of an aircraft system with minimal support from a S/W Lead. 

  • Support S/W development activities as tasked by S/W lead.
  • Design S/W architectures for components within a system such as S/W interfaces or models of aircraft components.
  • Prepare S/W documentation and input for design reviews.
  • Interface with customers including presentations of software designs at customer reviews.
  • Ability to work in teams and provide guidance to junior engineers

  • BS Engineering or Computer Science and 5+ years SWE experience
  • Ability to develop in multiple languages including: C, C++, FORTRAN, or Ada
  • Proficient in Visual Studio IDE, GCC compilers / Makefiles
  • Proficient in Windows, UNIX/Linux
  • Software Engineering Concepts & Processes

  • Knowledge of object-oriented design concepts
  • Knowledge of flight simulation
  • Knowledge of real time programming
  • Knowledge of military aircraft systems and avionics a plus.
  • Knowledge of networking

  • Must have or be able to obtain a Secret DOD clearance.

Salary Minimum: $90,000

Salary Maximum: $150,000

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.