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Job Title: Software Engineer Lead - Simulator Systems

Job Description

The Software Engineer Lead - Simulator Systems provides technical leadership for the design, development, integration, and sustainment of real-time simulator and training systems. This role leads software teams working on complex, distributed simulation environments with a strong focus on real-time performance, interoperability, and high-fidelity training capabilities. The position combines hands-on engineering with team leadership, architecture definition, and close collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design, implementation, and modification of simulator software systems from concept through sustainment.
• Oversee the day-to-day technical work of teams of approximately 2-10 software engineers, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Assign tasks to team members, monitor progress, and intervene when needed to maintain schedule, quality, and technical direction.
• Plan and conduct design reviews and code reviews for simulator and real-time software components, ensuring thorough and constructive feedback.
• Resolve technical disagreements within the team and ensure review comments are properly addressed and dispositioned.
• Ensure team compliance with applicable engineering standards, policies, and procedures throughout the development lifecycle.
• Provide project status updates and accurate Estimates-to-Complete to the Project Manager and other stakeholders.
• Mentor, train, and onboard new team members while supporting the ongoing professional development of existing engineers.
• Provide technical input and recommend corrective actions when issues arise in design, implementation, or integration.
• Support proposal efforts by contributing simulator architectures, solution designs, and cost and schedule estimates.
• Develop and modify real-time simulation software to support training and mission-focused systems.
• Implement software components that support simulator frameworks, runtime engines, and interfaces.
• Define software work products in alignment with requirements and industry-standard development methods.
• Perform unit testing and adhere to coding, performance, and real-time standards to ensure robust and efficient software.

Essential Skills

• Expert-level C++ development experience, including strong proficiency in modern language features and best practices.
• Hands-on experience with Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) in real-time or training environments.
• Hands-on experience with High Level Architecture (HLA) for distributed simulation and interoperability.
• Direct experience developing, integrating, or supporting real-time simulation systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of professional software development experience.
• Experience working in Linux and/or Windows operating system environments.
• Strong knowledge of software architectures and design methodologies for complex systems.
• Strong knowledge of procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms.
• Experience working in Agile or Scrum development environments.
• Experience with configuration management tools to manage source code, baselines, and releases.
• Experience developing software to defined requirements and/or synthesizing and refining requirements into implementable designs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Flight simulator and/or helicopter simulator experience, which is a major plus.
• Experience with full motion flight simulators, avionics simulators, instructor/operator stations (IOS), and simulator back-end servers.
• Hands-on experience with Semi-Automated Forces (SAF) systems.
• Experience working with image generators (IGs) used in visual simulation.
• Experience with flight dynamics or flight modeling software.
• Experience with datalink and tactical simulation software.
• Experience with interoperable and distributed simulation environments beyond DIS/HLA.
• Experience with real-time rendering engines and immersive simulation technologies.
• Experience supporting AR, VR, XR, or mixed-reality simulation environments.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position based in Orlando, FL, working primarily within a development and lab environment focused on real-time simulator and training systems. You will collaborate closely with a team of software engineers and other technical specialists, using Linux and Windows platforms, configuration management tools, and real-time simulation frameworks. The role may involve hands-on work with simulator hardware, networked simulation components, and immersive technologies. Some domestic and international travel may be required to support integration activities, customer events, demonstrations, or fielded systems. Extended or modified work hours may occasionally be necessary to meet critical program milestones and support time-sensitive testing or delivery activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Orlando, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $72.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Orlando,FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.