Also called: Simulator Engineer
Builds the full-motion simulators that train pilots and test new aircraft designs.
You code how an aircraft responds to the controls, compare the simulator with real flight data, and fly it yourself to see whether it "feels" right. Airlines and pilots depend on your simulators to practice emergencies safely.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in aerospace or computer engineering.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering.
Growing faster than average (about 6% over 10 years). Aerospace engineers overall.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI generates scenery and helps write simulation code; matching real aircraft behavior and pilot validation stay human.
Classes: AP Computer Science, AP Physics, AP Calculus, Art or 3D design.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2011.
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