The Flight Simulator SW Engineer II is part of the VG’s Flight Simulation & Mission Control team within the Spaceline Missions and Mission Operations Group. Occasional work at other VG facilities in the U.S. or abroad may be required. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Flight Simulator Software Engineer and Programmer to join our team in developing advanced simulation systems for aerospace and aviation applications. This role involves contributing to the architecture, design, and implementation of both high-fidelity and desktop flight simulation environments, integrating hardware/software systems, and enhancing simulation realism.
You will collaborate with our pilot and engineering teams to deliver robust, high-performance simulators used in training, test environments and research. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives on technical challenges, has a strong background in real-time systems, and understands aviation dynamics, whether from an engineering or piloting perspective. Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain software for high-fidelity and desktop flight simulation systems.
- Integrate flight models, avionics systems, and real or virtual cockpit hardware into simulator environments.
- Implement shared memory frameworks and synchronization techniques for distributed simulation systems.
- Support real-time data collection, visualization, and external communication with avionics and networked systems.
- Architect modular and scalable systems for both engineering development and pilot training use.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including pilots and aerospace engineers.
- Participate in DevOps and CI/CD pipeline development for streamlined deployment and testing.
- Conduct code reviews.
- Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
- Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks
Required Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of professional experience in software development.
- Strong proficiency in C/C++ with working knowledge of other languages and scripting such as C#, bash, or python.
- Experience with real-time systems, distributed simulation, or embedded systems.
- Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink, especially S-Functions and model decomposition.
- Working knowledge of network communication protocols and debugging tools (TCP/UDP, wireshark, etc.).
- Experience with simulator integration involving shared memory, hardware I/O, or control interfaces.
- Proficiency in Git-based source control and CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, Docker).
- Excellent debugging and performance optimization skills in multi-threaded environments.
- Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
- Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Experience with flight simulation frameworks, avionics protocols (ARINC-429, ADS-B, GDL-90), or cockpit control systems.
- Familiarity with aerospace standards, human factors research, or FAA-related simulation environments.
- Experience with iOS or embedded applications related to aerospace systems.
- Knowledge of visualization tools such as OpenGL, or simulation display frameworks.
- Comfortable working with containerized environments and cloud services like AWS.
- Strong understanding of systems integration and hardware/software interface design.
- Background in UI/UX design for technical systems or simulators.
- Pilot experience (commercial, private, or hobbyist) is a strong plus and highly valued.
#LI-AB1
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $88,477.00–$134,981.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits
Who We Are
Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles.
Export Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here.
EEO Statement
Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Drug Free Workplace
Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing.
Phoenix Employment Requirements
For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge. This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.
