Senior Software Simulation Engineer

Job Title: Software Simulation EngineerJob Description

This role offers the opportunity to design, develop, and integrate software for advanced flight simulators used to support a range of aircraft platforms. You will work across avionics, tactical environments, and interfaces to audio, visual, motion, and I/O systems, as well as Instructor Operator Stations (IOS). The position involves full lifecycle software engineering in both Linux and Windows environments using multiple programming languages, with a strong focus on simulation and modeling for complex, real-time systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate software for flight simulators, including avionics, tactical environments, and interfaces to audio, visual, motion, and I/O systems.
• Implement and maintain software for Instructor Operator Stations (IOS) to support effective simulator operation and training.
• Support software development activities as assigned by the software lead, contributing to all phases of the project lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, integration, and testing.
• Develop complex software applications such as interfaces to external systems and software simulations of aircraft systems with minimal supervision from the software lead.
• Design software architectures for components within larger systems, including software interfaces and models of aircraft components.
• Prepare clear and thorough software documentation, including design descriptions and inputs for formal design reviews.
• Participate in and present software designs at customer reviews, effectively communicating technical concepts to stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional team members to ensure integrated, high-quality simulation solutions.
• Provide guidance and informal mentorship to junior engineers, supporting their technical development and contributing to a collaborative team culture.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of software engineering processes, tools, and practices within the team.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science.
• At least 5 years of software engineering experience.
• Ability to develop software in multiple languages, including C and C++.
• Experience with FORTRAN or similar legacy languages used in simulation environments.
• Proficiency in C++ with a focus on simulation and modeling software.
• Proficiency using Visual Studio IDE for development and debugging.
• Proficiency with GCC compilers and Makefiles for building applications in Linux and UNIX environments.
• Strong experience working in Linux and UNIX environments, with familiarity in Windows development.
• Solid understanding of software engineering concepts and processes, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and documentation.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with software leads and peers.
• Strong communication skills to interface with customers and present software designs.
• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance, with an active or prior Secret clearance preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of object-oriented design concepts and their application to complex software systems.
• Knowledge of flight simulation concepts and architectures.
• Experience with real-time programming and real-time operating constraints.
• Knowledge of military aircraft systems and avionics.
• Familiarity with networking concepts and protocols relevant to distributed simulation systems.
• Experience with interoperability standards such as HLA/DIS in modeling and simulation environments.
• Background in graphics or real-time embedded systems.
• Experience working on or supporting flight simulators for platforms such as MH-47G, V-22, MH-60M, AH-1Z, CH-53K, UH-1Y, or AH-60M.
• Experience participating in design and technical reviews with customers or external stakeholders.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as project needs require.

Work Environment

This position is based fully onsite, five days per week, to support hardware and simulator systems located at the office. You will work as part of a collaborative team of approximately 12-15 engineers and technical professionals focused on modeling, simulation, and training solutions. The environment involves hands-on work with flight simulation hardware and software, including avionics, tactical environments, interoperability technologies (such as HLA/DIS), graphics systems, and real-time embedded systems. The role requires approximately 30% travel within and outside the continental United States to support integration, testing, and customer engagements at various locations. Work is primarily performed using Linux and Windows platforms with tools such as Visual Studio, GCC, and Makefiles, in a professional engineering office setting that emphasizes teamwork, technical excellence, and high-quality customer support.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chantilly, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $155000.00/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 Chantilly,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

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.