Senior Software Simulation Engineer

Actalent; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Software Simulation Engineer to design, develop, and integrate software for advanced flight simulators used across multiple aircraft platforms. The role spans Linux and Windows, with a focus on real-time simulation, interfaces to avionics, IOS, and test architectures.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in software engineering, strong C/C++ and FORTRAN experience, and proficiency with Visual Studio and GCC/Makefiles in Linux/UNIX environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science is required.
• Minimum 5 years of software engineering experience together with proficiency in C/C++ for simulation environments.
• Experience with FORTRAN or legacy languages used in simulation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate software for flight simulators and IOS.
• Support lifecycle software activities from requirements to testing.
• Develop interfaces to external systems and simulate aircraft components.

Skills

5+ years experience

C/C++ development

FORTRAN

Visual Studio

Linux/UNIX

Real-time/simulation

Team collaboration

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

GCC/Makefiles

Windows development

HLA/DIS

Job description

Job Description

Software Simulation Engineer | Pay: 150k - 155k/yr | 5-days onsite

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to design, develop, and integrate software for advanced flight simulators used to support a range of aircraft platforms. You will work across avionics, tactical environments, and interfaces to audio, visual, motion, and I/O systems, as well as Instructor Operator Stations (IOS). The position involves full lifecycle software engineering in both Linux and Windows environments using multiple programming languages, with a strong focus on simulation and modeling for complex, real-time systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate software for flight simulators, including avionics, tactical environments, and interfaces to audio, visual, motion, and I/O systems.
• Implement and maintain software for Instructor Operator Stations (IOS) to support effective simulator operation and training.
• Support software development activities as assigned by the software lead, contributing to all phases of the project lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, integration, and testing.
• Develop complex software applications such as interfaces to external systems and software simulations of aircraft systems with minimal supervision from the software lead.
• Design software architectures for components within larger systems, including software interfaces and models of aircraft components.
• Prepare clear and thorough software documentation, including design descriptions and inputs for formal design reviews.
• Participate in and present software designs at customer reviews, effectively communicating technical concepts to stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional team members to ensure integrated, high-quality simulation solutions.
• Provide guidance and informal mentorship to junior engineers, supporting their technical development and contributing to a collaborative team culture.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of software engineering processes, tools, and practices within the team.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science.
• At least 5 years of software engineering experience.
• Ability to develop software in multiple languages, including C and C++.
• Experience with FORTRAN or similar legacy languages used in simulation environments.
• Proficiency in C++ with a focus on simulation and modeling software.
• Proficiency using Visual Studio IDE for development and debugging.
• Proficiency with GCC compilers and Makefiles for building applications in Linux and UNIX environments.Strong experience working in Linux and UNIX environments, with familiarity in Windows development.
• Solid understanding of software engineering concepts and processes, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and documentation.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with software leads and peers.
• Strong communication skills to interface with customers and present software designs.
• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance, with an active or prior Secret clearance preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of object-oriented design concepts and their application to complex software systems.
• Knowledge of flight simulation concepts and architectures.
• Experience with real-time programming and real-time operating constraints.
• Knowledge of military aircraft systems and avionics.
• Familiarity with networking concepts and protocols relevant to distributed simulation systems.
• Experience with interoperability standards such as HLA/DIS in modeling and simulation environments.
• Background in graphics or real-time embedded systems.
• Experience working on or supporting flight simulators for platforms such as MH-47G, V-22, MH-60M, AH-1Z, CH-53K, UH-1Y, or AH-60M.
• Experience participating in design and technical reviews with customers or external stakeholders.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as project needs require.

Work Environment

This position is based fully onsite, five days per week, to support hardware and simulator systems located at the office. You will work as part of a collaborative team of approximately 12–15 engineers and technical professionals focused on modeling, simulation, and training solutions. The environment involves hands‑on work with flight simulation hardware and software, including avionics, tactical environments, interoperability technologies (such as HLA/DIS), graphics systems, and real‑time embedded systems. T