2

Full Time Flight Simulator Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR

Full Time Flight Simulator Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$26.5K

$100.3K

$154.3K

How much do full time flight simulator instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time flight simulator instructor in Portland, OR is $100,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $118,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a full time flight simulator instructor do?

A Full Time Flight Simulator Instructor is responsible for training student pilots or licensed pilots using advanced flight simulators. They instruct on aircraft systems, procedures, emergency scenarios, and improve flying skills in a controlled and safe environment. These instructors design lesson plans, evaluate performance, and provide feedback to help trainees meet regulatory and company standards. Their role is crucial for building pilot skills without the risks and costs of actual flight.

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

To thrive as a Full Time Flight Simulator Instructor, you need in-depth aviation knowledge, instructional experience, and typically a commercial pilot license or equivalent qualification. Familiarity with flight simulator systems, relevant software platforms, and possibly certifications like FAA or EASA instructor ratings are important. Strong communication, patience, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for effectively training and evaluating pilots with varying experience levels. These skills ensure accurate, safe, and engaging training that meets regulatory standards and prepares pilots for real-world operations.

What are some typical challenges faced by full time flight simulator instructors, and how can they be managed?

Full Time Flight Simulator Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting instructional techniques to different learning styles, keeping pace with rapidly evolving aviation technology, and ensuring strict adherence to training standards. Managing these challenges involves ongoing professional development, clear communication with trainees, and collaboration with other instructors and technical staff. Staying updated on regulatory changes and leveraging simulator features effectively are also key to delivering effective, compliant training sessions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Full Time Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Portland, OR?

For Full Time Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

P80 Air Traffic Control Instructor-II

SAIC

Portland, OR

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2613327

Location: Portland, OR, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-04

Category: Training

Subcategory: Training Analyst

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

  • ATTN FERS RETIREES: Earnings received as an ATC Instructor, ATC Training Instructional Supervisor, or Contractor Site Supervisor working on this program are EXEMPT from the Supplemental Annuity earnings limits for FERS retirees between the ages of 56 and 62.

We are looking for an experienced, Full-time, Air Traffic Control Instructor to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Portland TRACON (P80) in Portland, OR, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The successful candidate for this position must demonstrate strong technical skills with current ATC automation, simulation systems and procedures. This position may provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO), and may participate in curriculum design and development. The selected candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills applicable for obtaining radar and/or non-radar simulation laboratory certifications at FAA air traffic control facilities within the U.S. National Airspace System.

The CTS Instructor is a hands-on position that requires the candidate to effectively and consistently deliver the highest quality classroom and/or simulation laboratory training to a wide variety of students including developmental air traffic controllers and Certified Professional Controllers (CPC).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.

To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

The CTS Instructor candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of FAA CPC experience controlling live traffic, or recent experience as a contract Instructor at an FAA facility. Experience must have been at the same type and same [or greater] level of ATC facility as the Portland TRACON (P80) .

Desired Skills and Experience:

·    Direct experience as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) at the Portland TRACON (P80) is preferred but not required.

·    Operational Experience with ATC simulators including scenario design for simulation platforms (e.g. TSS, AT Coach, SGET, etc.).

·    Demonstrated ability to interface effectively with FAA personnel at all levels to ensure the delivery of training services meet the needs of the local facility, as well as the FAA’s overall Air Traffic Control mission is highly desired.

·    Experience demonstrating excellent teaching and/or platform skills, classroom management techniques, and a student-focused drive for continuous improvement.

Education:

·    High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.

·    FAA Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification required with the ability to obtain and maintain Instructor-II Simulation Laboratory and Classroom Certification.


What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom