JSE Lead API Developer

FlightSafety International; Washington; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick leave

401k matching

Healthcare coverage

Education & training benefits

Job summary

FlightSafety International seeks a JSE Lead API Developer to join the defense training portfolio. This role focuses on building and verifying JSE/SCARS‑compliant software that connects simulator devices through GRID, using the GSI SDK.

You will contribute to verification, documentation, and RMF/compliance activities in a controlled environment. The position requires strong C++/Python skills, experience with ICDs/IDDs, and familiarity with HLA/DIS/TENA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field is required or equivalent experience.
• 4–8 years in simulation software, system integration, or distributed systems.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for simulation development.
• Experience with ICDs/IDDs and technical specs.
• Hands-on with GitLab, JIRA and CI/CD environments.
• Familiar with HLA/DIS/TENA and middleware like EMQX, DDS, Kafka.
• Active Secret security clearance is required.
• Ability to interpret standards and translate to code.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate JSE/SCARS components to connect training devices via GRID.
• Implement message handling using GSI SDK and verify with ICD/IDD documents.
• Support SCARS compliance, RMF processes, and verification activities.
• Contribute to DevSecOps pipelines, version control, and documentation.
• Collaborate with architects to interpret SCARS/JSE docs and guide design.

Skills

C++

Python

Distributed simulation

ICD/IDD

GitLab/JIRA/CI-CD

HLA/DIS/TENA

Docker/Kubernetes

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GitLab

JIRA

CI/CD pipelines

EMQX

DDS

Kafka

GSI SDK

Wireshark

Job description

Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, education, skills, and experience as well as market demands. These factors impact the salary/wage offered.

Benefits

FlightSafety offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes vacation, sick leave, a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits.

About FlightSafety International

FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Position Overview

FlightSafety Defense Corporation is gearing to become a recognized integration partner and solution provider for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy in the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) and Simulator Common Architecture Requirements and Standards (SCARS) ecosystem. The JSE Lead API Developer is a key hands-on contributor within the JSE/SCARS line of efforts, working under the guidance of the JSE Architect and Project Lead to implement, test, and verify JSE/SCARS‑compliant software and interfaces across FlightSafety's Weapon System Trainer (WST) and Training Systems portfolio. This role is well suited for a developer with a solid foundation in simulation software development who is ready to deepen their expertise in government simulation standards and distributed synthetic environments.

Key Responsibilities

The JSE Lead API Developer integrates software/simulation components that connect FlightSafety training devices to the JSE via the Global Reusable Interface Domain (GRID) network protocol. This includes implementing message production and consumption logic using the Government Simulation Interface (GSI) Software Development Kit (SDK), and verifying correct integration against the GSI Interface Control Document (ICD). The developer executes the GSI test harness suite of service active tests and supports Wireshark packet capture (.pcap) file parsing to validate data flow between the simulator and GRID services.

The developer supports SCARS compliance activities, including applying On Premise Equipment (OPE) integration standards under the SCARS Architecture Standard, Increment 5, and contributing to verification activities for common aerodynamic models (Equations of Motion, Forces and Moments, and Mass Properties). The developer participates in Requirements Verification Report (RVR) activities and maintains traceability between implementation work and Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and Interface Design Documents (IDDs).

The JSE Lead API Developer contributes to the implementation and operation of the internal JSE/SCARS integration lab - both virtual and classified, as required - and supports DevSecOps pipeline activities for JSE/SCARS-related software deliverables, including version control, automated testing, and documentation in compliance with the SCARS DevSecOps Process Standard. The developer also supports the application of cybersecurity controls in accordance with the SCARS Common Security Controls Standard and coordinates with the cybersecurity team on Risk Management Framework (RMF) compliance activities.

The developer works closely with the JSE/SCARS architects to interpret SCARS and JSE documentation, implement design patterns, and document integration results.

Travel to government test events is anticipated throughout the year.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, systems engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related technical discipline. Masters preferred.
• 4 to 8 years of experience in simulation software development, system integration, or distributed systems engineering, preferably in a DoD training or defense context
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for simulation software development and integration in a federated simulation environment
• Familiarity with distributed simulation protocols (HLA, DIS, or TENA) and API-driven software architectures using middlewares such as EMQX, DDS or Apache Kafka
• Experience working with interface control documents (ICDs), interface design documents (IDDs), or similar technical specifications
• Hands-on experience with software development tools including GitLab, JIRA, and CI/CD pipeline environments
• Ability to interpret technical standards and translate requirements into software implementations
• Strong written communication skills with ability to produce test reports, integration documentation, and compliance artifacts
• Familiarity with MBSE methodologies or SysML-based tools (e.g., Cameo Systems Modeler)
• Experience with virtualization technologies and containerized deployment environments
• Active Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with JSE, SCARS, GRID, or related government simulation frameworks and standards
• Familiarity with the GSI Software Development Kit (SDK) and GSI test harness
• Exposure to SCARS Increment 5 standards
• Experience with common aerodynamic model development or verification (Equations of Motion, Forces and Moments, Mass Properties)
• Exposure to RMF, ATO processes, or DoD cybersecurity compliance activities

Why This Role

The JSE/SCARS line of efforts represents one of FlightSafety Defense Corporation's most strategically important investments in defense training systems. As a JSE Lead API Developer, you will work at the technical frontier of government synthetic environment standards, gaining hands-on experience with the architectures, protocols, and standards that define the next generation of joint warfighter training. You will be mentored by senior architects and positioned for growth as FSI Defense scales its portfolio across the USAF and Navy.

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

This position may require access to export‑controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant’s ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs. A “U.S. Person” includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S. law.

This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment.

Cybersecurity Notice:

All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from a @flightsafety.com email address. FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.

Washington State Candidates:

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