Real-Time Aircraft Simulation Software Engineer Job Description

Lockheed Martin is recruiting a Level 4 Software Engineer for Simulation and Integration to develop and maintain real-time distributed simulation software for aircraft and support systems, according to a company job posting dated June 22, 2026. The role focuses on building software that replicates aircraft behavior and integrating support systems to reduce the reliance on physical flight testing.

The position requires the development of real-time distributed simulation software. In the aerospace industry, distributed simulation allows multiple separate simulators to connect over a network to create a shared virtual environment. This allows pilots or system testers to interact with other simulated aircraft or ground stations in a synchronized manner, according to industry standards for flight simulation.

What are the technical requirements for the simulation role?

According to the job responsibilities, the engineer must integrate and troubleshoot SSS, which refers to system simulation software. This involves ensuring that the software accurately mirrors the physical properties and electronic systems of an aircraft. The “real-time” aspect of the requirement means the software must process data and provide outputs within a strict time constraint to maintain synchronization with the physical world, a necessity for pilot-in-the-loop training.

The Level 4 designation indicates a senior-level engineering role. In defense contracting, Level 4 engineers typically lead technical tasks, mentor junior staff, and oversee the integration of complex subsystems. This level of seniority suggests the role involves not just coding, but architectural decisions regarding how simulation software interacts with aircraft hardware.

How does distributed simulation impact aircraft development?

Distributed simulation differs from monolithic simulation by spreading the computational load across multiple nodes. According to technical documentation on simulation architectures, this approach enables the testing of large-scale scenarios, such as multi-aircraft combat drills or complex air-traffic coordination, without requiring all systems to exist on a single supercomputer.

By using these systems, Lockheed Martin can execute “iron bird” testing—a process where aircraft systems are laid out on a ground rig to test integration before they are installed in a fuselage. This reduces the risk of catastrophic failure during first-flight tests and lowers the overall cost of development by identifying software bugs in a virtual environment.

Why is this role part of a broader industry shift?

The focus on simulation and integration aligns with the aerospace industry’s transition toward “Digital Twins.” A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical object that is updated with real-time data. According to reports on digital engineering trends in defense, using digital twins allows companies to predict maintenance needs and test software updates in a virtual mirror of the aircraft before deploying them to the fleet.

This shift creates a contrast between traditional aerospace engineering and modern software-defined aviation. Previously, aircraft were designed and then tested; now, the simulation often precedes the physical build. This approach allows for more rapid iterations of flight control software and electronic warfare systems.

The integration of support systems mentioned in the job posting further indicates that the simulation is not limited to the aircraft itself. It likely includes the ground control stations, satellite links, and maintenance software that form the broader ecosystem of a modern military aircraft.

What are the implications for software integration?

Troubleshooting SSS requires a deep understanding of both software engineering and aerodynamics. The engineer must ensure that the simulation does not produce “artifacts”—errors in the simulation that do not exist in the real world—which could lead to incorrect conclusions about an aircraft’s performance.

The requirement for “integration” suggests the role involves bridging the gap between different software modules. For example, the flight dynamics model must integrate seamlessly with the cockpit display software and the sensor simulation software. If these modules are not synchronized in real-time, the simulation becomes unusable for high-fidelity training or certification.