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Simulator Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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F-35 CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR PILOT

San Diego, CA · On-site

Provide all levels of instructor operating station missions including, but not limited to, Forward Air Controller, Airborne Intercept Controller, Air Traffic Control, and threat simulation ...

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Simulator Instructor information

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How much do simulator instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for simulator instructor in California is $21.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a simulator instructor?

A Simulator Instructor is a professional who trains individuals, often pilots or other technical operators, using flight or equipment simulators. They guide trainees through realistic scenarios to develop and assess their skills in a controlled, safe environment. Simulator Instructors provide feedback, evaluate performance, and ensure that trainees meet the required standards for safety and proficiency. They often work in aviation, maritime, military, or industrial settings to help prepare personnel for real-world operations.

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

To thrive as a Simulator Instructor, you typically need a strong background in aviation or technical training, relevant certifications (such as FAA or EASA instructor credentials), and in-depth knowledge of aircraft systems and procedures. Familiarity with advanced flight simulators, learning management systems, and scenario-based training tools is essential. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching styles are crucial soft skills for engaging trainees and ensuring knowledge transfer. These skills and qualities are vital to deliver effective, realistic training that ensures pilot competency and safety in real-world operations.

What are some common challenges simulator instructors face when training new pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Simulator Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying levels of trainee experience, managing simulator malfunctions, and ensuring realism in training scenarios. To address these, instructors typically tailor their teaching methods to individual learning styles, stay up-to-date with simulator technology, and regularly update scenarios to reflect current operational procedures. Open communication with trainees and collaboration with other instructors also help create a supportive learning environment and promote effective skill development.

What is the difference between Simulator Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectSimulator InstructorFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsTypically requires FAA or equivalent simulator instructor certificationRequires FAA or equivalent pilot certification and instructor ratings
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in simulators, training centers, or classroomsIn aircraft, flight schools, or training airports
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in aviation training centers, airlines, militaryUsed in flight schools, airlines, private training

Simulator Instructors focus on training pilots using flight simulators, emphasizing technical skills in a controlled environment. Flight Instructors teach pilots in actual aircraft, covering practical flying skills. Both roles require aviation certifications but differ mainly in training environment and specific certifications. Understanding these differences helps aspiring aviation professionals choose the right career path.

How much do simulator instructors make?

Simulator instructors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often require certification and familiarity with flight or driving simulators, and may work full-time or part-time schedules.

How to become a simulator instructor?

To become a simulator instructor, candidates typically need relevant experience in the specific industry, such as aviation or driving, and often require certification or licensing related to the field. Training on simulator operation and instructional techniques is also essential, along with strong communication skills. Some employers may prefer candidates with a background in the subject matter and familiarity with simulation software and equipment.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Simulator Instructor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Simulator Instructor job openings:

Simulator Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Simulator Instructor job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,341 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Training Instructor (Taiwan ITES - San Diego, CA)

San Diego, CA • On-site

CommandTec LLC
See more jobs at CommandTec LLCexternal

$57K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Who We Are:

CommandTec, LLC is an 8(a), Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Historically Underutilized Business (HUBZone), headquartered in Huntsville, AL. As a diversified professional services company, CommandTec takes great pride in providing a broad range of Intelligence, Training, Enterprise IT and Process Improvement solutions to US Government agencies and commercial customers.

Job Summary:

CommandTec, LLC has a requirement for a Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Training Instructor II in support of a federal government contract providing installation, training, and engineering support services for complex defense systems and operational environments. The Training Instructor II independently delivers, evaluates, and continuously improves technical training programs while exercising discretion and independent judgment in instructional methodology, student evaluation, technical problem-solving, and curriculum enhancement. Serving as the technical instructional subject matter expert, this position collaborates with program management, engineering personnel, Curriculum Developers, and Training Specialists to recommend and implement instructional improvements that enhance student proficiency, operational readiness, and compliance with contractual and program requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Deliver instructor-led classroom, laboratory, simulator, on-the-job (OJT), and Train-the-Trainer (TTT) instruction to Taiwan partner nation personnel on the operation, maintenance, and sustainment of FMS-acquired defense systems in support of Taiwan Integrated Training Environment Support (ITES) requirements.
  • Deliver approved instructional content while exercising independent judgment to adapt instructional methods, demonstrations, pacing, practical exercises, and delivery techniques to meet established learning objectives, student needs, and operational requirements while ensuring compliance with the approved Program of Instruction (POI), NAVWAR training standards, and contractual requirements.
  • Adapt instructional delivery techniques to account for language barriers, interpreter support requirements, and the technical background of Taiwan partner nation student audiences
  • Evaluate student performance through practical exercises, written assessments, skills demonstrations, and system proficiency evaluations; analyze performance trends, determine instructional deficiencies, and implement appropriate instructional modifications to improve student achievement.
  • Provide individual remedial instruction and coaching to students requiring additional support to meet defined proficiency standards
  • Maintain expert-level technical knowledge of assigned FMS system(s) by reviewing engineering documentation, technical directives, configuration changes, and operational guidance to ensure training reflects current system capabilities and mission requirements.
  • Set up, operate, configure, and conduct preventive maintenance checks on training equipment, laboratory systems, simulators, and training aids prior to and following each instructional event
  • Collaborate with Curriculum Developers to evaluate instructional effectiveness, identify curriculum deficiencies, recommend revisions, and validate curriculum updates based on engineering changes, operational requirements, instructor observations, and student performance trends.
  • Maintain complete and accurate student attendance rosters, performance records, assessment results, and certification documentation in accordance with program requirements
  • Ensure full compliance with all safety procedures, site security requirements, and NAVWAR OCONUS operating procedures during all training events
  • Conduct and document after-action reviews (AARs); analyze instructor and student feedback; identify instructional trends; and develop recommendations for curriculum revisions, instructional methodologies, practical exercises, and assessment strategies to improve future training effectiveness.
  • Support external evaluations, government quality assurance reviews, and NAVWAR surveillance assessments of training program execution
  • Assist with the preparation of training areas, equipment staging, and logistics coordination for each training iteration in the Taiwan environment
  • Serve as the technical instructional subject matter expert for assigned systems, interpreting engineering documentation, system modifications, operational guidance, and technical manuals to ensure instructional content accurately reflects current system capabilities and operational requirements.
  • Exercise independent judgment in recommending and implementing instructional improvements, curriculum revisions, evaluation methods, and training delivery techniques that are routinely incorporated into future course iterations.
  • Provide technical recommendations to Curriculum Developers, Training Specialists, and program leadership regarding instructional effectiveness, curriculum modernization, training technologies, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned