
Senior Simulation Systems Design Engineer - NASA
Edwards, CAFull-time$120–144K/yrPosted 2mo agoStill listed 1 day ago
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Job overview
AMERICAN SYSTEMS seeks a Simulation Systems Design Engineer to support aircraft simulation and mission systems for advanced flight research programs alongside NASA and multidisciplinary teams. The role supports Global Hawk simulation engineering, systems engineering, and hardware-in-the-loop activities, and includes designing and testing simulation software and systems, evaluating flight behavior, and assisting engineers and pilots during ground tests and flight operations.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
Overview
AMERICAN SYSTEMS, an employee-owned federal government contractor, is seeking Aerospace Systems Design Engineers to support pioneering aerospace research and flight missions that push the boundaries of innovation.
In this role, you will help design and integrate the hardware, software, avionics, power, and instrumentation systems that make safe, successful flight possible. Working alongside NASA, AFRC partners, aircraft technicians, and multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will play a key role in solving complex challenges and advancing technologies that shape the future of flight.
Responsibilities
As a Simulation Systems Design Engineer with AMERICAN SYSTEMS, you will support the design, integration, testing, and operation of aircraft simulation systems and mission systems for advanced flight research programs.
Key Responsibilities:
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Support the Global Hawk project by performing simulation engineering, systems engineering, and hardware-in-the-loop activities for research and flight test operations.
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Coordinate and perform work in the areas of Intercommunications, Information Technology, and design and test of ground control systems.
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Design, develop, and implement software for real-time simulations and research aircraft modeling, including aerodynamics, flight controls, flight systems, and aero models.
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Assist in the development, integration, and testing of 6-degree-of-freedom simulations, including software-based and hardware-in-the-loop simulation environments.
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Develop simulation studies to evaluate handling qualities, system performance, and flight control behavior.
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Perform verification and validation activities to ensure simulation products, flight items, and related systems meet project and Center requirements.
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Support engineers and pilots during ground tests and flight operations by providing simulation prediction data, timing, performance analysis, and other technical assistance.
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Prepare, review, and maintain technical documentation, including design documents, interface control documents, wiring schematics, test plans, procedures, and test reports.
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Review project designs and test documentation to determine testing methodologies and recommend updates to ensure compliance with AFRC processes and procedures.
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Document test activities and results in required systems, including DATR, Work Order systems, and NAMIS, as applicable, with clear pass/fail criteria and quality witness support.
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Support the design, development, electrical analysis, integration, execution, and reporting of hardware-in-the-loop simulator systems and related simulator hardware for Center programs.
Qualifications
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Bachelors degree in Engineering or Physical Science with at least 7 years of experience OR advanced Degree in Engineering or Physical Science and at least 4 years of experience.
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Must be a US citizen.
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Must be able to secure and maintain a security clearance.
Highly Desired Qualification included:
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Proficiency in C++, C, FORTRAN, Java, and Python.
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Experience with Unix/Linux operating systems.
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Experience developing API and/or application software for real-time operating systems (RTOS).
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Experience developing multi-threaded applications and parallel processing software.
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Proficiency with scripting languages.
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Experience with Java GUI and code development.
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Demonstrated circuit design experience.
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Strong understanding of analog and digital electronics theory.
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Understanding of embedded systems.
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PCB design and layout experience.
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Schematic capture experience.
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Signal processing experience.
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Firmware development experience.
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Data acquisition experience.
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Advanced programming skills.
NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES A 9/80 WORK SCHEDULE
Pay Transparency Statement AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $120,000.00/Yr. - USD $144,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance. EEO Statement EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status
How this job compares
Set against the 796 open Aerospace Engineer jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 12, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$120–144K/yr
- California median$132–194K/yr214 salary ranges
- US median$115–175K/yr561 salary ranges
This range's midpoint, $132K, is 15% below the California median midpoint ($156K) — in the lowest quarter of Aerospace Engineer salary ranges in California.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 236 open Aerospace Engineer jobs in California and 796 across the US. 2% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in California
- Anduril47 open
- Rocket Lab19 open
- Mach Industries12 open
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 4 years of experience; Aerospace Engineer postings that state a minimum ask for 5 years at the median (687 postings).
- Education
- 432 of the 796 open Aerospace Engineer jobs (54%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 12, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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