Lead Simulation Architect (Project Architect)

Role to Hire First: Lead Simulation Architect (Project Architect)

Position Title: Lead Simulation Architect / Principal Software Engineer (Simulator Systems)

Purpose of the Role

conceptualize, design, and lead

Key Responsibilities

1. System Architecture & Design

• Define the overall architecture of the simulator software, covering flight dynamics, avionics, visual systems, instructor operating stations, and integration layers.
• Establish coding standards, development practices, and software documentation protocols.
• Ensure the design is modular, scalable, and reusable for different aircraft types (A320, B737, later ATR, etc.).

2. Compliance & Certification

• Ensure that the software architecture meets regulatory standards (FAA Level D, EASA CS-FSTD, DGCA CAR).
• Work with quality and compliance teams to prepare certification documentation (validation reports, QTG data integration).

3. Technical Leadership

• Act as the first technical hire and build the software development team.
• Mentor and guide engineers in areas such as flight dynamics, avionics modeling, graphics/visuals, and instructor station design.
• Review code, designs, and testing frameworks.

4. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with the hardware engineering team (cockpit panels, motion platform, visuals).
• Work with project managers to align timelines, deliverables, and milestones.
• Liaise with external consultants or domain experts when specialized input is needed.

5. Development & Prototyping

• Develop the initial prototype software stack (basic flight model, cockpit instrumentation, simple IOS).
• Select appropriate simulation engines, programming languages, and libraries (e.g., C++, C#, Unreal/Unity for visuals, RTOS for avionics logic).
• Evaluate off-the-shelf vs custom solutions for faster deployment.

6. Team Building

• Define detailed for secondary hires (flight dynamics engineer, avionics software engineer, graphics/visual engineer, QA/testing, integration specialists).
• Participate in interviews and technical evaluations for all subsequent hires.

Required Qualifications

• Education

  : B.Tech/M.Tech in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.

• Experience

  :
• 10–15 years in simulation software development (preferably in aviation, defense, or automotive high-fidelity systems).
• Hands-on experience in flight dynamics modeling, avionics systems, or training simulators.
• Prior role as software architect, principal engineer, or technical lead.

• Technical Expertise

  :
• Strong in C++/C#, real-time systems, multi-threaded applications.
• Familiar with flight physics modeling, avionics data buses (ARINC 429, AFDX), IOS development.
• Experience with graphics/visual systems (OpenGL, DirectX, Unity/Unreal).
• Knowledge of certification standards (FAA/EASA Level D).

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and mentoring ability.
• Excellent communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution ability.
• Comfortable working in a startup-style environment with high accountability.