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Remote Flight Simulator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Software Engineer, Backend (C/C++)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $175K/yr

Work closely with flight software engineers and users across the company to develop new features ... Remote and/or hybrid work will not be considered COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Software ...

All JobsFlight Simulator JobsRemote Flight Simulator JobsRemote Flight Simulator Jobs in California

Remote Flight Simulator information

What is a remote flight simulator?

Remote flight simulator jobs involve operating, managing, or instructing flight simulation software and hardware from a remote location. These roles can include flight simulator instructors, software developers, technical support specialists, and virtual pilots who provide training or testing services. The work is typically conducted online, allowing professionals to collaborate with trainees, students, or clients worldwide without needing to be physically present at a flight training center. These jobs require a strong understanding of aviation principles and proficiency with simulation technology. Many positions may also require relevant certifications or prior experience in aviation or flight instruction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote flight simulator operator?

To excel as a Remote Flight Simulator Operator, a solid understanding of aviation principles, simulator operations, and typically a background in aviation or aeronautical engineering are essential. Familiarity with flight simulation software (such as Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane), hardware control panels, and sometimes FAA certification may be required. Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills help operators quickly identify issues and provide effective training or support. These capabilities are critical to ensuring realistic simulation experiences, accurate pilot training, and operational safety.

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

Remote Flight Simulator Instructors often face challenges such as maintaining student engagement without in-person interaction and troubleshooting technical issues with simulator software. Establishing clear communication channels, utilizing interactive tools, and providing prompt technical support can help mitigate these challenges. Additionally, collaborating closely with other instructors and staff members ensures consistency in training standards and quick resolution of technical or instructional problems. Proactive planning and regular feedback sessions with students also contribute to a more effective and engaging remote training experience.

What is the difference between Remote Flight Simulator vs Remote Pilot?

AspectRemote Flight SimulatorRemote Pilot
Required CertificationsFlight simulation licenses, FAA certificationsRemote Pilot Certificate (Part 107), FAA drone licenses
Work EnvironmentSimulated cockpit environments, home or office setupsRemote control of drones or aircraft, often from home or remote locations
Industry UsageTraining, entertainment, aviation industryAerial surveying, photography, delivery services

Remote Flight Simulators focus on training and simulation using specialized software, while Remote Pilots operate actual drones or aircraft remotely. Both roles require FAA certifications and are integral to the aviation and drone industries, but they differ in practical application and certification specifics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remote Flight Simulator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Flight Simulator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 22% In-person, and 78% Remote job distribution.

Staff/Principal Flight Software Engineer (IV/V)

Terran Orbital Corporation

Irvine, CA • On-site, Remote

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Flight Software Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to the Flight Software Engineering Manager, the Flight Software Engineer will become an integral part of our dynamic team, driving the development of cutting-edge nano-satellite vehicle solutions across a variety of exciting projects. Your expertise will be pivotal in advancing our innovative technologies and contributing to the success of our mission-critical initiatives.

This role is preferred to work on-site for team synergy and access to hardware, however remote work is possible after a sufficient period of onboarding.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with multiple engineering teams to establish software requirements
  • Perform as the technical lead of a satellite program
  • Lead a team of junior software engineers, providing mentorship and tasking
  • Design, develop, and maintain simple, reliable, and fault-tolerant software
  • Develop software for unique payloads, such as imagers, image processors, communication devices, and various astronomical science instruments.
  • Create comprehensive unit and regression tests in existing frameworks
  • Integrate and test software in simulation, flight replica, flight vehicle, and hardware-in-the-loop environments
  • Communicate with the customer in technical working groups
  • Potential 10% travel to visit customers or vendors for Design Reviews and collaborative technical work

Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent field.
  • 8+ years (Staff Engineer - Level 4) of experience developing C++ applications for embedded, high-performance, or critical systems.
  • 12+ years (Principal Engineer - Level 5) of experience developing C++ applications for embedded, high-performance, or critical systems.
  • Prior experience using GitHub or similar Git tool.
  • Highly motivated, self-starting, responsible, thorough, and able to perform duties autonomously without supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Additional Differentiators

  • Handson Linux kernel development experience, specifically with lowlevel driver subsystems. 
  • Demonstrated expertise working with UART or serial communication drivers within the Linux kernel.Experience integrating or modifying kernel interactions with hardware abstraction layers such as PIM modules or equivalent middleware.Ability to debug and trace kernelspace issues related to device communication paths (UART, SPI, I2C, etc.).Experience supporting earlystage or evolving hardware/firmware platforms (e.g., FCM+ or similar module frameworks).
  • Experience using ARM and Texas Instruments platforms for embedded systems.
  • Experience with test equipment, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers.
  • Experience with Linux and GNU tools such as make GCC and debuggers such as GDB.
  • Experience with scripting languages such as bash and Python.
  • Familiarity with build pipelines, deployment and testing on-target.
  • Familiarity with Serial Communications - CAN, RS-422/485, I2C, SPI, PCI, SpaceWire.

Salary Ranges

Staff Flight Software Engineer (Level IV) - $150k to $190k

Principal Flight Software Engineer (Level V) - $170k to $210k

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