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Simulator Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

$180K - $240K/yr

We are seeking a Staff Simulation Platform Engineer to design and build the next-generation simulation infrastructure that supports aircraft modeling, autonomy development, and hardware-in-the-loop ...

Showing results 21-40

Simulator Engineer information

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$27

$58

$83

How much do simulator engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for simulator engineer in Massachusetts is $58.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.26 and $67.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a simulator engineer?

Simulator Engineers are professionals who design, develop, maintain, and optimize simulation systems used to replicate real-world processes or equipment. These simulations are commonly used for training, testing, and research across industries such as aviation, automotive, defense, and healthcare. Simulator Engineers work with both hardware and software components to ensure simulations are accurate, reliable, and meet specific requirements. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting, upgrading systems, and collaborating with subject matter experts to create realistic training environments.

What is the difference between Simulator Engineer vs Test Engineer?

AspectSimulator EngineerTest Engineer
Required credentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, specialized training in simulationBachelor's or higher in engineering, quality assurance, or related field
Work environmentDesigning, developing, and testing simulation systems in labs or officesConducting tests on products or systems in labs, manufacturing, or field settings
Employer & industry usageUsed mainly in aerospace, defense, automotive, and training sectorsCommon across manufacturing, software, aerospace, and automotive industries

Simulator Engineers focus on creating and refining simulation systems to mimic real-world scenarios, while Test Engineers primarily evaluate and validate products or systems through testing procedures. Both roles require technical expertise and often collaborate, but Simulator Engineers specialize in simulation development, whereas Test Engineers concentrate on quality assurance and performance validation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a simulator engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Simulator Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Experience with simulation software (such as MATLAB/Simulink, Unity, or similar), programming languages (like C++ or Python), and knowledge of hardware integration are typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management abilities help you collaborate effectively and manage complex projects. These skills ensure accurate simulation development, smooth project execution, and the ability to meet client or organizational requirements.

What are some common challenges simulator engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing simulation systems?

Simulator Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy hardware and software, minimizing system downtime, and maintaining simulation accuracy. They must also rigorously test new components to meet industry standards and user requirements while collaborating closely with software developers, hardware engineers, and end users to address unforeseen issues. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are essential, as Simulator Engineers frequently need to troubleshoot and customize solutions for complex simulation environments.
Infographic showing various Simulator Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,829 per year, or $58.6 per hour.

Staff Simulation Platform Engineer

Merlin Labs

Boston, MA

$180K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

About Merlin:
Merlin is a venture backed aerospace startup building a non-human pilot to enable both reduced crew and uncrewed flight. Backed by some of the world's leading investors, Merlin is scaling alongside our customers to begin leveraging autonomy today to solve some of aviation's biggest challenges.
About you:

We are seeking a Staff Simulation Platform Engineer to design and build the next-generation simulation infrastructure that supports aircraft modeling, autonomy development, and hardware-in-the-loop validation across multiple aircraft platforms.

This is a hands-on senior technical role focused on building scalable virtual environments, stabilizing integration infrastructure, and enabling scenario-based autonomy validation without linear growth in engineering effort per platform.

This position reports to the Virtual Test Environments Lead and will play a central role in evolving our simulation ecosystem into a robust, scalable internal platform.

 
Responsibilities:
1. Simulation Infrastructure Architecture & Implementation
  • Define and implement structured topology and configuration definitions across aircraft platforms

  • Improve stability of routing layers, hardware/software interfaces, and runtime integration components

  • Introduce versioning and compatibility discipline across simulation artifacts

  • Build validation tooling to prevent integration breakage from reaching lab benches

2. Autonomy-Focused Virtual Environment Development
  • Expand scenario-based simulation capabilities supporting autonomy development

  • Enable structured Monte Carlo and multi-scenario validation workflows

  • Develop infrastructure to simulate sensor inputs and autonomy behaviors in realistic operational contexts

  • Improve determinism and traceability of simulation runs

3. Toolchain Modernization & Automation
  • Implement CI/CD workflows for simulation artifacts

  • Improve reproducibility of simulation environments

  • Implement schema-driven validation mechanisms for interfaces

  • Build foundational platform components hands-on during early phases

4. Technical Leadership
  • Mentor and elevate engineers working on simulation tools and routing infrastructure

  • Establish extensibility and architectural standards within the simulation stack

  • Influence cross-functional stakeholders (Autonomy, Compute Platform, Systems, Lab Integration)

This is a senior technical contributor role with significant architectural impact but no direct people management responsibility.

Qualifications:
  • 7+ years of experience building or scaling complex simulation or autonomy validation environments

  • Experience contributing to or architecting large-scale simulation frameworks (e.g., AFSIM, Unreal/Unity-based simulation environments, CARLA, custom autonomy simulation platforms, or equivalent)

  • Strong software architecture experience in multi-component, distributed systems

  • Experience defining interface contracts, configuration schemas, or API boundaries in complex systems

  • Experience integrating simulation environments with real-time or hardware-in-the-loop systems

  • Hands-on proficiency in Python and/or C++

  • Demonstrated ability to modernize or scale legacy engineering toolchains

Nice to Have:
  • Experience developing simulation or virtual validation environments for autonomy systems (automotive, aerospace, robotics)

  • Experience designing scenario-based validation systems

  • Familiarity with SIL/HIL integration

  • Experience implementing CI/CD in engineering-heavy environments

  • Background in safety-critical systems

$180,000 - $240,000 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.

This position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, MA.

Once you're here, you'll enjoy a variety of on-site perks designed to make your workday enjoyable and convenient. These include catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options, an assortment of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day, and a selection of beverages, including coffee, tea, and other drinks, to keep you refreshed.

Our goal is to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally

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.
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