From video games to next-generation aircraft, simulation is reshaping industries worldwide. At DigiPen, we prepare professionals to lead this transformation. Simulation is one of today’s most promising technological fields, with applications in industries such as automotive, artificial intelligence, robotics, security and defense, banking, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace.
Javier Tafur, a graduate of the Bachelor’s Degree in Real-Time Interactive Simulation (RTIS), exemplifies how programming and graphics engine training extend beyond video game development. Currently, he works as a Flight Simulator Software Engineer - Image Generator at Indra, a Spanish multinational specializing in consulting services for transportation, defense, energy, telecommunications, and financial industries. In this interview, he shares his journey and offers advice for students interested in exploring this career path.
Interestingly, Javier had not originally planned to pursue a career in aerospace software engineering. In 2016, he enrolled at DigiPen Europe-Bilbao with the goal of becoming a video game developer, but he soon discovered that his skills were in demand in other industries. That’s how he found his first big opportunity in the aerospace sector. “The job requirements were literally everything I had learned at DigiPen. I realized I had a chance, so I decided to apply. They hired me, and that’s where it all started,” he recalls.
His professional journey
Honeywell: Avionics Displays and Embedded Software
Javier began his professional journey by moving to Brno to work at Honeywell as a Software Development Engineer for Cockpit Display Systems. Honeywell is a multinational company operating in aerospace technologies, automation, and energy solutions. His responsibilities included:
- Developing software for next-generation cockpit displays, ensuring integration with other aviation technologies.
- Optimizing the display system for Dassault F10X aircraft, including key functions like weather radar, brightness control, and metric altitude.
- Conducting software certification tests for aviation systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards set by regulatory bodies like EASA and FAA.
- Contributing to the Airbus A350 flight management system as part of the Airbus UpNext DragonFly innovation program.
- Developing algorithms to mitigate climate risks, such as storms, using advanced meteorological detection technology.
- Verifying and certifying real-time aviation software to ensure reliability and compliance with international regulations.
Lilium: Simulation for the Future of Air Mobility
He later joined the Munich-based German startup Lilium, which specializes in developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for sustainable, high-speed air taxi services. As a VR/MR Simulation Software Engineer, his role focused on:
- Optimizing the mixed-reality image generator developed in Unreal Engine 5.
- Integrating flight simulation systems with specialized hardware.
- Developing software for internal simulators used by test and flight mechanics teams.
This experience gave him deep knowledge of hardware-software integration and flight simulation, preparing him for his current role at Indra.
Indra: High-Precision Flight Simulations
Javier Tafur is currently a Flight Simulator Software Engineer specializing in Visual Systems at Indra, where he designs real-time visual systems for aircraft simulators in the defense sector. His work focuses on implementing high-precision image generation systems for flight simulators. He also manages development environments for these systems, including:
- Configuration and version control.
- Software installation and hardware adjustments to optimize simulations.
- Integrating technologies into high-realism simulation environments, essential for pilot and military operator training.
His role involves implementing targeted improvements, developing assets, and refining the graphical aspects of a highly advanced simulation system that has been evolving for over 20 years.
In previous roles, he worked with the Unreal Engine, but Indra has its own proprietary engine, which he adapted to easily. Many of the skills he acquired at DigiPen are now applied on a much larger scale. His daily work primarily involves C++ programming and working with Indra’s proprietary engine.
At DigiPen, I didn’t just learn to program—I learned to truly understand how graphic engines work from the ground up. Thanks to that, adapting to any technology, even proprietary engines like Indra’s, has been a natural process.”
Javier also highlights that, unlike video games, every detail matters in aerospace simulation: “In a video game, you can simplify certain physics or mechanics to enhance gameplay. If something goes wrong, it’s just a bug in the game. In my job, every detail is crucial because these systems have a real impact on people’s lives.”
Javi, for you, what aspects of education at DigiPen were key to working in this industry?
- Strong Technical Foundation: Training in C++ and Unreal Engine enabled him to quickly grasp other engines and programming languages, including Indra’s proprietary simulator.
- Teamwork and Real Projects: Large companies require coordination with multiple departments and teams, and DigiPen’s project-based learning environment made this transition seamless. “At Indra, I work with teams from all over the world: Europe, India, America… This requires fluent communication and effective collaboration, something I already experienced at DigiPen when working on complex projects across multiple departments.”
- Development Methodologies: Indra uses methodologies like Scrum and Waterfall, which he had already learned at DigiPen.
DigiPen prepares you for real life. In the end, the work environment in major companies like Indra is very similar to what I experienced at college. I learned to collaborate across departments, manage large-scale projects, and understand technologies from their core.”
Now, Javier encourages current students to explore opportunities in other technology sectors: “Simulation and computer science can be applied to any field. The important thing is not to be afraid and to take the leap. We have the tools.” He emphasizes that more companies are seeking professionals who can apply real-time simulation knowledge in industries such as aviation, automotive, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. For RTIS students interested in following his path, he recommends:
- Exploring simulation projects: Not just in video games but also in scientific or industrial simulations.
- Understanding industry needs: Researching how DigiPen-acquired skills can be applied to fields like robotics, aviation, and augmented reality.
- Continuous learning: DigiPen provides a solid foundation, making it easy to develop specialized knowledge required by cutting-edge industries today.
Javier Tafur’s journey is a testament to how DigiPen’s training extends beyond video games. His experience demonstrates that real-time programming and system optimization have applications in critical industries such as defense, aviation, and artificial intelligence. For current students, his advice is clear:
DigiPen provides an exceptionally strong foundation. Don’t hesitate to explore beyond video games and carve out your space in the tech industry. Simulation has a promising future with countless opportunities waiting to be seized.”