Software Engineer Lead - Simulator Systems

Job Title: Software Engineer Lead - Simulator Systems

Job Description

This role provides technical leadership for the design, development, integration, and sustainment of real-time simulator and training systems. The Software Engineer Lead guides software teams working on complex, distributed simulation environments with a strong focus on real-time performance, interoperability, and high-fidelity training solutions. You will combine hands-on C++ development with leadership responsibilities, ensuring that simulator frameworks, runtime engines, and interfaces meet demanding technical and operational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design, implementation, and modification of simulator software systems for real-time training and mission-focused applications.
• Oversee the technical work of software engineering teams of approximately 2 to 10 engineers, ensuring alignment with project goals and technical standards.
• Assign tasks, monitor progress, and intervene as needed to keep work on schedule and within scope.
• Plan and conduct design reviews and code reviews for simulator and real-time software components to ensure quality and maintainability.
• Resolve technical disagreements within the team and ensure review comments are properly addressed and dispositioned.
• Ensure compliance with applicable engineering standards, policies, and procedures throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Provide project status updates and maintain accurate Estimates-to-Complete for delivery to project leadership.
• Mentor, train, and onboard new team members while supporting the ongoing professional development of existing engineers.
• Provide technical input and recommend corrective actions when issues arise in design, implementation, or integration.
• Support proposal efforts by contributing simulator architectures, solution designs, and cost and schedule estimates.
• Develop and modify real-time simulation software to support training and mission-focused systems, with an emphasis on performance and reliability.
• Implement software components that support simulator frameworks, runtime engines, and interfaces for distributed and interoperable simulations.
• Define software work products in alignment with requirements and industry-standard development methods.
• Perform unit testing and adhere to coding standards, performance requirements, and real-time constraints.
• Leverage internal reuse assets and approved open-source software to improve productivity and reduce development cost.
• Maintain task schedules and provide regular status updates to stakeholders and project leadership.
• Apply sound configuration management practices and follow established development procedures for version control and change management.
• Establish, execute, and document software testing based on customer and system requirements, ensuring traceability and verification.
• Contribute to system-level simulator design and integration efforts, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Travel domestically and/or internationally as required to support integration, testing, or customer activities.
• Support extended or modified work schedules when necessary to meet critical program demands and milestones.

Essential Skills

• Expert-level C++ development experience with a focus on real-time systems.
• Hands-on experience with Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS).
• Hands-on experience with High Level Architecture (HLA).
• Direct experience developing, integrating, or supporting real-time simulation systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of professional software development experience.
• Experience working in Linux and/or Windows environments.
• Strong knowledge of software architectures and design methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of procedural and object-oriented programming concepts and practices.
• Experience working in Agile or Scrum development environments.
• Experience with configuration management tools and practices.
• Experience developing software to defined requirements and/or synthesizing requirements into implementable designs.
• Experience with interoperable and distributed simulation environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Flight simulator experience and/or helicopter simulator experience, considered a major plus.
• Experience with Full Motion Flight Simulators, Avionics simulators, Instructor/Operator Stations (IOS), and simulator back-end servers.
• Hands-on experience with simulation systems such as Semi-Automated Forces (SAF).
• Experience working with Image Generators (IGs) in simulation environments.
• Experience with flight dynamics or flight modeling software.
• Experience with datalink and tactical simulation software.
• Experience with real-time rendering engines and immersive simulation technologies.
• Experience supporting AR, VR, XR, or mixed-reality simulation environments.
• Background in pilot training, flight simulation, or related training systems is advantageous.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position based in Orlando, FL, where you will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams in a real-time simulation and training environment. The role involves hands-on work with simulator frameworks, runtime engines, and distributed simulation technologies, as well as collaboration with systems, hardware, and integration teams. Standard working hours apply, but you may support extended or modified schedules when program demands require it. Some domestic and international travel may be necessary to support integration activities, testing events, or customer engagements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Orlando, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $72.00/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 Orlando,FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 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.