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The differences between flight controls engineers and simulation engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a flight controls engineer and a simulation engineer. Additionally, a flight controls engineer has an average salary of $99,619, which is higher than the $97,266 average annual salary of a simulation engineer.
The top three skills for a flight controls engineer include C++, FAA and flight control systems. The most important skills for a simulation engineer are python, MATLAB, and simulink.
| Flight Controls Engineer | Simulation Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,619 | $97,266 |
| Hourly rate | $47.89 | $46.76 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 46,807 | 46,570 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The main task of a flight controls engineer is to monitor the instrument systems of an airplane during the flight. Flight controls engineers communicate with dispatchers, assist the pilot, oversee the fuel, and regulate cabin pressure. They work on the design, state flow testing, and module of the flight control system. Their job includes investigating, recommending, and implementing flight control system solutions. They perform data analysis to ensure compliance with FAA. Also, they provide solutions to issues affecting the operations and developments of flights.
A simulation engineer is an engineering professional who uses technical expertise and knowledge of computer simulation technologies to test the performance, durability, and safety of engineering solutions. Simulation engineers must use a virtual environment when working on an incredibly intricate and expensive project such as a new helicopter, satellite, or submarine. They use computer programming languages such as C++ and Fortran to model simulated environment. Simulation engineers are also required to collaborate with the design and production teams so that they can accomplish a specific project.
Flight controls engineers and simulation engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Flight Controls Engineer | Simulation Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,619 | $97,266 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $130,000 | Between $70,000 And $133,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Professional |
There are a few differences between a flight controls engineer and a simulation engineer in terms of educational background:
| Flight Controls Engineer | Simulation Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between flight controls engineers' and simulation engineers' demographics:
| Flight Controls Engineer | Simulation Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 13.0% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 16.4% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |