Helicopter Pilot

Microsoft; United States; On-site; USD 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Equipment (hardware/software)

PTO

Job summary

Microsoft Flight Simulator Pilot Tester needed in Redmond, WA. Onsite multi-year W2 contract, 40 hours/week, with standard PST hours and some flexibility. Role focuses on testing Microsoft Flight Simulator products and related aviation software, welcoming pilots with real-world experience or consumer flight sim background.

Ideal candidates will be passionate about aviation technology, possess strong teamwork, and enjoy working in a cutting-edge, stable environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with consumer flight simulators or real-world aviation background.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020/2024 is a plus.
• Strong interest in aviation technology and testing processes.

Responsibilities

• Test and validate Microsoft Flight Simulator features onsite at Redmond.
• Collaborate with publishers/developers to ensure quality simulator experience.
• Document issues and provide actionable feedback to engineering teams.

Skills

Flight Simulator

Aviation Experience

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Peripherals Knowledge

Tools

Flight Sticks

HOTAS

Yoke

Rudder Pedals

Job description

**Candidates must have either extensive experience in Microsoft Flight Simulation (500+ Hours) or background in aviation for fixed wing or helicopters**

Microsoft Flight Simulator Pilot Remote Job Opportunity (Helicopter but also have fixed wing openings)

Location: Onsite at Xbox Studios in Redmond, WA

Openings: 1

Duration: Multi-year W2 contract with potential extensions. This is an at-will contract position.

Shift: Monday-Friday during core business hours, typically 9:00 AM-3:00 PM PST or 10:00 AM-4:00 PM PST, with some flexibility.

Hours per Week: 40 hours, Monday through Friday

Pay: Starting at $26.60 per hour ($31 Hour if have real world aviation experience)

Benefits:

• Medical
• dental
• vision
• equipment (hardware/software)
• PTO

*Candidates must have experience with consumer flight simulators such as Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane OR real world helicopter piloting experience*

• We are seeking Microsoft Flight Simulator enthusiasts or real-world pilots with helicopter piloting experience.
• Flight simulation hours in this role do not count toward FAA certification requirements.
• This is an excellent opportunity for pilots early in their careers who want steady work alongside their flying goals, as well as experienced pilots looking to apply their expertise in a cutting-edge, stable role.

About the Role

We are expanding our team of testers and pilots supporting Microsoft Flight Simulator. This highly specialized group brings aviation and simulation expertise to help Xbox publishers and developers build and maintain a world-class simulator experience.

In this role, you will work onsite at Xbox Studios in Redmond, WA, using the latest technology and learning software testing processes from experienced industry professionals.

Strong candidates will have a genuine passion for aviation, flight simulation, and interactive technology. We are specifically interested in experience with consumer-level simulation platforms such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, or X-Plane rather than full-motion commercial training simulators. Candidates should ideally have at least 200 hours of experience with these products and active involvement in the online flight simulation community, such as forums, beta programs, or other community spaces.

Candidates with extensive real-world helicopter experience, including private, military, or commercial aviation backgrounds, are also encouraged to apply in place of deep consumer flight simulation experience.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Hands-on knowledge of simulation peripherals such as high-resolution monitors, flight sticks or yokes, rudder pedals, throttle quadrants, and HOTAS setups
• Experience with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or 2024
• Interest in technology and software products
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset
• Willingness to learn new tools, processes, and workflows

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with software testing or engineering workflows
• Real-world aircraft experience
• Knowledge of video game products, platforms, or development environments