Simulation Software Engineering Lead

About This Role

Join CAE in Binghamton, NY, and Lead Innovation to Help Pilots Return Safely from Their Missions! 

At CAE, we empower our leaders to drive mission-critical simulation solutions that train pilots and maintenance personnel, ensuring their safe return from real-world missions. As a Simulation Software Lead in our Binghamton hub, you’ll spearhead a team of software engineers, providing technical and strategic leadership to develop and maintain software for high-fidelity flight and mission simulators, blending modern and legacy technologies to deliver cutting-edge training solutions. Live and work in the vibrant Greater Binghamton area, known for its affordable living, rich history, and access to the scenic Finger Lakes region—a perfect place to advance your tech leadership career and inspire innovation. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Lead and mentor a team of software engineers in designing, developing, and maintaining software for flight and mission simulators, ensuring high reliability and performance to support safe pilot training outcomes. 

• Provide technical oversight for modernizing legacy code bases critical to simulator functionality, guiding the team in implementing enhancements, new features, and optimizations to maintain system stability. 

• Drive the integration of advanced technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and real-time systems, with legacy platforms, fostering innovation while ensuring seamless functionality for mission-critical applications. 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, systems engineers, and project managers, to align software development with simulator hardware requirements and project goals. 

• Manage software development projects using Waterfall and Agile/Scrum methodologies, balancing structured timelines with iterative sprints to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality solutions. 

• Oversee the development of clean, efficient code in languages like C, C++, Python, or C#, ensuring robust performance in real-time simulation environments. 

• Facilitate code reviews, release planning, and strategic brainstorming sessions, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within a disciplined development process. 

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges in legacy and real-time systems, guiding the team to ensure simulators meet the highest standards for pilot training in dynamic environments. 

• Make a global impact by leading software solutions that empower pilots and defense personnel to train effectively and return safely from their missions. 

What You Bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 

• 8+ years of professional experience in software engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or technical lead role in the tech industry, overseeing mission-critical or real-time systems development. 

• Proven leadership skills, with a track record of mentoring teams, driving technical innovation, and delivering high-quality software in high-stakes environments. 

• Proficiency in C++, C, Python, or C#, with experience leading teams in maintaining legacy code bases or developing real-time/embedded systems. 

• Expertise in software development for simulation or defense systems, with a strong understanding of integrating modern technologies (e.g., real-time processing) with legacy systems. 

• Strong project management skills, with expertise in Waterfall and/or Agile/Scrum methodologies, and the ability to lead teams in either environment. 

• Must be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret or higher clearance prior to the start of employment. 

• Must be able to obtain and maintain Special Program Access. 

• Flexibility to support occasional overtime, weekend work, shift work, and site travel (CONUS). 

• Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role. 

Why Binghamton? 

Binghamton offers small-town charm with big opportunities. With a thriving tech scene, proximity to Binghamton University, and access to nature, it’s an ideal place to grow your leadership career and enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Whether you’re a local, an alum, or relocating, you’ll find a supportive community and endless potential. 

Security Responsibilities   

Must comply with all company security and data protection / usage policies and procedures.  Personally responsible for proper marking and handling of all information and materials, in any form. Shall not divulge any information, or afford access, to other employees not having a need-to-know. Shall not divulge information outside company without management approval.  All government and proprietary information will be accessed and stored electronically on company provided resources.    

•  Incumbent must be eligible for DoD Personal Security Clearance.   

Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.  

Salary Range: 144,300-168,300

The actual compensation rate is subject to the evaluation of the following factors (but not limited to): the candidate's work experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and market. 

Other Duties   

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.   

CAE USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including disability and protected veteran status, as defined under federal, state, or local laws.  

Applicants needing reasonable accommodation should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process.  If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [email protected] 

Position Type                       

CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.

CAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other  characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. At CAE, everyone is welcome to contribute to our success. Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process.  If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [email protected].