Job Description

Staff Simulation Software Engineer

Location: San Jose (full time onsite)

Engagement: Contract (1099 or W2)

Duration: 6-12 months FTE conversion thereafter.

Hourly rate: The focus is on finding the right person, therefore open to market rate.

Overview

In this senior leadership capacity, you will spearhead the engineering of sophisticated flight emulation platforms designed for rigorous system certification and pilot-interaction studies. You will be responsible for modernizing deployment workflows through automated integration cycles and partnering with multidisciplinary teams to synchronize physical components within synchronized, real-time testing frameworks. By overseeing the full lifecycle of virtualized environments—ranging from component-level benches to full-scale "Iron Bird" rigs—you will ensure simulation accuracy by reconciling digital outputs with empirical data from live flight operations. Beyond the technical architecture, you will define the UI strategy for simulation control, manage the resolution of intricate distributed system anomalies, and cultivate a culture of elite technical mentorship and strategic project execution.

Requirements:

• Expert experience in simulation software development and systems integration.
• Bachelor's or higher degree in Aerospace, Software, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Seasoned technical lead for an engineering team; providing guidance in planning and execution. Advanced proficiency in C/C++ and Python.
• Expert in MATLAB/Simulink and Python.
• Extensive experience developing real-time HIL test infrastructures.
• Proven ability to develop simulation tools with a focus on usability, modularity, and performance.
• Expert of communication standards and protocols (RS-422/485, CAN/CAN-FD, ARINC-429, Ethernet, TCP/IP, USB etc…)
• Experience prototyping Graphical User Interfaces based on user feedback.
• Knowledgeable with software engineering practices including CI/CD (GitHub Actions, Jenkins), test-driven development, and agile methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Comfortable working in cross-disciplinary teams and mentoring junior engineers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace, spacecraft, or robotics systems—including modeling of flight dynamics, sensor-actuator loops, or avionics.
• Proficiency in the NI software suite (LabVIEW, VeriStand).
• Experience developing and troubleshooting custom code (i.e. plugins, logical devices, custom devices) for real-time OS
• Background in simulation infrastructure for VTOL, rotorcraft, or autonomous vehicles.
• Understanding of control theory, GNC algorithms, and physics-based modeling.
• Hands-on experience with HIL/SIL test rigs, hardware communication protocols, and test instrumentation.
• Exposure to regulatory frameworks (FAA, DoD, NASA) and test certification environments.
• Startup or fast-paced development experience is a plus.
• Experience automating and executing test plans.
• Familiarity with fault injection methodologies.
• Familiarity with lab

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