At a Glance
- Tasks: Build next-gen mixed reality flight simulators for pilot training.
- Company: VNE Aviation, a pioneering company at Leeds Bradford Airport.
- Benefits: Flexible on-site and remote roles, competitive salary, and R&D budget.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to push boundaries and learn fast.
- Why this job: Redefine pilot training with innovative technology and hands-on experimentation.
- Qualifications: Passion for aviation, curiosity, and a builder mindset.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
- AVIATION SIM ENGINEERS
- VNE Aviation — Leeds Bradford Airport (On-Site & Remote Roles Available)
Build the next generation of pilot training.
- We’re building the next generation of
- Real cockpits
- Motion systems
- Deeply integrated simulation software
- On-Site & Remote Roles Available
- Full Time
- Closes July 30, 2026
- AVIATION SIM ENGINEERS
- Next-Generation Mixed Reality Flight Simulators
- VNE Aviation — Leeds Bradford Airport (On-Site & Remote Roles Available)
Build the next generation of pilot training.
We’re building the next generation of mixed reality flight simulators for General Aviation training — combining:
- Real cockpits
- Virtual environments
- Motion systems
- Deeply integrated simulation software
- To Create Training Environments Where
- The boundary between real aircraft and simulation disappears
- Pilots can train in any scenario, instantly
- Learning is faster, safer, and significantly more effective
This is not about improving simulators.
This Is About Redefining How Pilots Are Trained.
The Role
You’ll be part of a small, high-performance team building advanced simulators from the ground up.
This is hands‑on, experimental, and constantly evolving.
- In a Single Week You Might
- Build and refine mixed reality cockpit environments
- Integrate real controls and avionics into simulation platforms
- Develop or tune flight models (fixed wing & helicopter)
- Design and fabricate panels via CAD → CNC / 3D print
- Wire and integrate switches, sensors, and control systems
- Work with motion platforms and feedback systems
- Blend physical and digital systems into a single experience
- Debug complex hardware/software interactions
- Test ideas that shouldn’t work (but might)
- What Makes This Different
You’re not simulating flying.
- You’re Building Systems Where
- A pilot sits in a physical cockpit
- Interacts with real controls
- While the world around them can change instantly
Weather. Failures. Environments. Scenarios.
All controllable. All repeatable.
All designed to make better pilots.
R&D — Properly Done
We’re not building to a fixed spec.
We’re exploring what’s possible.
- You’ll Have
- A serious R&D budget
- Freedom to experiment
- Permission to fail (and learn fast)
- The expectation that you push boundaries
If something looks interesting → we test it.
If it works → we scale it.
If it doesn’t → we understand why.
What You Might Already Be Doing
You don’t need a perfect CV.
- But You Probably Recognise Yourself In This
- Modding X-Plane / MSFS
- Building a home cockpit
- Using Arduino / Leo Bodnar / custom IO
- Designing in CAD (Fusion 360 etc.)
- 3D printing and iterating
- Wiring switches “just to see if it works”
- Experimenting with avionics or flight models
- Going deep down simulation / aviation rabbit holes
- Areas You Could Work In
- Software (Remote or On-Site)
- Flight model development (fixed wing & helicopter)
- Simulation systems & plugins (X-Plane 12)
- Mixed reality environment integration
- Avionics & systems modelling
- Scenario & failure design
- Scenery development
- Data & telemetry systems
- Hardware / Mechanical (On-Site)
- Cockpit & panel design (CAD → CNC)
- Electronics & IO systems
- Motion platform integration
- Physical simulator builds
- Location
- On-Site: Leeds Bradford Airport
- Work alongside real aircraft and training operations
- Remote
Available for software-focused roles only, including
- Flight modelling
- Simulation systems
- Mixed reality environments
- Scenery development
- What We Actually Care About
- Relentless curiosity
- Builder mindset
- Obsession with detail
- Comfort with ambiguity
- Speed of learning
- We Don’t Care About
- Formal qualifications
- Perfect CVs
- You
- The Kind of Person Who Thrives Here
- Stay up too late trying to get something working
- Prefer building over talking
- Learn faster than most
- Care about aviation (even if you’re not a pilot yet)
- Want to build something from the ground up
- This Probably Isn’t For You If
- You want a tightly defined role
- You need constant direction
- You’re not genuinely interested in aviation
- You prefer theory over building
- Final Note
We don’t expect you to know everything.
We do expect you to figure things out.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
AVIATION SIM ENGINEERS (NEXT-GENERATION MIXED REALITY FLIGHT SIMULATORS) in Leeds employer: VNE Aviation
VNE Aviation is not just another flying school; it's a pioneering force in UK flight training, located at Leeds Bradford International Airport. With a commitment to modernity and exceptional standards, we offer our instructors the chance to be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation and feedback, while providing access to the latest aircraft and technology. Join us for a rewarding career path with opportunities for growth in commercial operations and advanced training programmes, all within a supportive and ambitious work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AVIATION SIM ENGINEERS (NEXT-GENERATION MIXED REALITY FLIGHT SIMULATORS) in Leeds
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with VNE Aviation for a AVIATION SIM ENGINEERS (NEXT-GENERATION MIXED REALITY FLIGHT SIMULATORS). This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace AVIATION SIM ENGINEERS (NEXT-GENERATION MIXED REALITY FLIGHT SIMULATORS) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at VNE Aviation, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At VNE Aviation, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at VNE Aviation
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with VNE Aviation.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with VNE Aviation. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like VNE Aviation love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
