Microsoft — Redmond, WA
Microsoft Flight Simulator Pilot Remote Job Opportunity
Location: Onsite at Xbox Studios in Redmond, WA
Title: Flight Simulation Tester
Openings: 2
Duration: Multi-year W2 contract with potential extensions. This is an at-will contract position.
Shift: Monday-Friday during core business hours, typically 9:00 AM-3:00 PM PST or 10:00 AM-4:00 PM PST, with some flexibility.
Hours per Week: 40 hours, Monday through Friday
Pay: Starting at $26.60 per hour (no private license but sim experience OR $31.71 with private license/helicopter experience)
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, equipment (hardware/software), and PTO
*Candidates must have experience with consumer flight simulators such as Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane OR real world helicopter piloting experience*
Key Details:
We are seeking Microsoft Flight Simulator enthusiasts or real-world pilots with helicopter piloting experience.Flight simulation hours in this role do not count toward FAA certification requirements.This is an excellent opportunity for pilots early in their careers who want steady work alongside their flying goals, as well as experienced pilots looking to apply their expertise in a cutting-edge, stable role.
About the Role
We are expanding our team of testers and pilots supporting Microsoft Flight Simulator. This highly specialized group brings aviation and simulation expertise to help Xbox publishers and developers build and maintain a world-class simulator experience.
In this role, you will work onsite at Xbox Studios in Redmond, WA, using the latest technology and learning software testing processes from experienced industry professionals.
Strong candidates will have a genuine passion for aviation, flight simulation, and interactive technology. We are specifically interested in experience with consumer-level simulation platforms such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, or X-Plane rather than full-motion commercial training simulators. Candidates should ideally have at least 200 hours of experience with these products and active involvement in the online flight simulation community, such as forums, beta programs, or other community spaces.
Candidates with extensive real-world helicopter experience, including private, military, or commercial aviation backgrounds, are also encouraged to apply in place of deep consumer flight simulation experience.
Desired Skills and Experience
Strong enthusiasm for consumer flight simulator productsHands-on knowledge of simulation peripherals such as high-resolution monitors, flight sticks or yokes, rudder pedals, throttle quadrants, and HOTAS setupsExperience with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or 2024Interest in technology and software productsStrong communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindsetWillingness to learn new tools, processes, and workflows
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with software testing or engineering workflowsReal-world aircraft experienceKnowledge of video game products, platforms, or development environments