Flight Simulation Engineer - FSTD

We are seeking an experienced Flight Simulation Engineer to support the development, integration, testing, and qualification of advanced Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs) for fixed-wing and/or rotary-wing aircraft. This position is ideal for an engineer who combines strong software development capabilities with hands-on experience developing high-fidelity aircraft simulation models.

We are seeking an experienced Flight Simulation Engineer to support the development, integration, testing, and qualification of advanced Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs) for fixed-wing and/or rotary-wing aircraft.

This position is ideal for an engineer who combines strong software development capabilities with hands-on experience developing high-fidelity aircraft simulation models. The successful candidate will have direct experience with engine and propulsion modeling and a solid understanding of the FSTD development and qualification lifecycle.

The position is based in Hampton, Virginia. Relocation is preferred, although alternative arrangements may be considered for a highly qualified candidate.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, test, and maintain software and mathematical models supporting fixed-wing and/or rotary-wing flight simulation systems.
• Develop and refine engine and propulsion models used within high-fidelity flight simulation environments.
• Analyze aircraft performance data and translate real-world aircraft characteristics into accurate simulation models.
• Develop software using C/C++, Python, and related programming languages and tools.
• Perform integration, troubleshooting, debugging, and verification of simulation software and models.
• Support the development and validation of flight, propulsion, and aircraft subsystem models.
• Develop and execute test procedures to verify simulator performance and model fidelity.
• Support FSTD qualification, validation, and testing activities.
• Investigate discrepancies between simulated and expected aircraft performance and implement appropriate corrections.
• Collaborate with software engineers, systems engineers, subject-matter experts, pilots, and other technical personnel throughout the simulator development lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation supporting simulation development, testing, validation, and qualification.

Required Qualifications

• 5–10 years of relevant engineering experience, preferably involving flight simulation or aircraft modeling and simulation.
• Hands-on experience developing or supporting Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs) for fixed-wing and/or rotary-wing aircraft.
• Demonstrated experience developing engine and propulsion models for flight simulation.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++ and/or Python.
• Understanding of aircraft performance, propulsion systems, flight dynamics, and simulation principles.
• Experience with the FSTD development, testing, validation, and qualification process.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills with the ability to diagnose complex simulation and software issues.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing and validating flight dynamics models.
• Experience developing aircraft subsystem models in addition to propulsion models.
• Experience with both fixed-wing and rotary-wing simulation systems.
• Familiarity with simulator qualification standards, objective testing, validation data, and regulatory qualification processes.
• Experience integrating mathematical models with real-time simulation software and hardware.
• Background working with high-fidelity commercial, military, or government aviation simulation and training systems.