About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Aerospace & Defense (flight simulation & training systems).

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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What You’ll Do

Confidential Client is seeking flight-dynamics engineering talent to develop, integrate, test, and validate physics-based aircraft models for flight simulators. You will work on aerodynamics, propulsion, equations of motion, atmospheric and ground effects, flight controls, motion systems, and related interfaces to ensure simulator fidelity meets aircraft data, contractual requirements, and customer expectations.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop, modify, integrate, test, and maintain mathematical and physics-based aircraft models (aerodynamics, propulsion, 6-DOF equations of motion, atmospheric effects, ground reaction, flight controls).
• Analyze flight test, performance, and engineering data to tune and validate models.
• Create, execute, and analyze Automatic Fidelity Tests (AFTs) and other V&V efforts against Qualification Test Guides (QTGs) and FAA Part 60 or contract-equivalent standards.
• Develop and update simulator Qualification Test Guides and technical documentation.
• Implement and modify simulation software using C/C++ and scripting languages in Linux and Windows environments.
• Troubleshoot hardware/software interfaces (control loading, motion, cockpit systems) and resolve discrepancies between simulated and actual aircraft behavior.
• Support system integration, design reviews, customer evaluations, and simulator qualification/acceptance testing.
• At Mid/Senior levels, provide technical guidance, mentoring, and knowledge transfer to less-experienced engineers.

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Required Qualifications

Knowledge and experience should be commensurate with the level of the position (Entry / Mid / Senior). Core requirements:

• Strong foundation in aerodynamics, aircraft performance, stability & control, propulsion, and flight dynamics.
• Experience or academic exposure to physics-based modeling of aircraft behavior.
• Programming experience with C and/or C++ and familiarity with Linux and/or Windows development environments.
• Ability to analyze engineering and flight-test data to support model development and validation.
• Understanding of version control (e.g., Git, SVN) and software configuration management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Effective verbal and written technical communication; ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with common business tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint).

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Preferred Qualifications

The following will make a candidate especially competitive:

• Prior experience developing or validating flight dynamics / physics-based simulation models.
• Experience with 6-DOF modeling, aerodynamic coefficients/derivatives, propulsion and atmospheric modeling.
• Familiarity with CFD or wind tunnel analysis and tools.
• Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or similar engineering analysis tools.
• Experience developing or running Automatic Fidelity Tests (AFTs) and simulator V&V.
• Background with Ada or other real-time/simulation languages.
• Knowledge of flight simulator qualification/acceptance processes and hardware interfaces (control loading, motion).
• MBSE or SysML experience.
• Experience supporting military aircraft / DoD programs or flight training systems.
• Pilot certificate or practical flight experience.

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Level Expectations

Entry (0–3 years)

• Apply foundational aeronautical knowledge to model development and testing; academic projects or internships may be considered.

Mid (3–7 years)

• Independently develop, integrate, and validate models; lead fidelity testing and troubleshoot complex integration issues.

Senior (7+ years)

• Lead modeling and validation efforts, provide technical direction, mentor staff, and support major program milestones and customer engagements.

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Additional Requirements & Conditions

• U.S. Citizenship required (role supports government/DoD contracts).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance; employment contingent on successful background investigation and clearance eligibility.
• Must pass background screening and pre-employment drug testing.
• Occasional domestic and limited international travel may be required.
• Work schedule flexibility — occasional overtime or alternate shifts to support program needs.

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Physical & Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with work at computer terminals; may require entry into simulator cockpits (confined spaces), climbing stairs, and occasional travel by car or airplane.
• Fast-paced team environment with deadline-driven activities and collaboration across disciplines.

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Compensation & Benefits (Estimated)

• Estimated pay: $135,872 per year (estimated).
• Confidential Client offers competitive benefits typical to the aerospace & defense sector including health coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.