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Aerospace Control Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firefly Aerospace

GNC Engineer II

Cedar Park, TX

Serve as a GNC console operator for launch operations and perform post-flight analysis to improve ... experience in aerospace guidance, navigation, and control, or related technical discipline

Firefly Aerospace

GNC Engineer II

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

Serve as a GNC console operator for launch operations and perform post-flight analysis to improve ... experience in aerospace guidance, navigation, and control, or related technical discipline

Pursuit Aerospace

Utility Operator

Euclid, OH · On-site

Operator will be responsible for performing all portions of the operations and maintaining required ... Aerospace-Cleveland, and its customers. * Follow verbal and written Engineering and Quality Control ...

Primus Aerospace

CMM Operator

Reisterstown, MD · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Primus Aerospace is a leading manufacturing partner to aerospace, defense, and space OEMs, Primes ... Provide support to the Quality Control team across various inspection activities * Assist and ...

Cohu

Manufacturing Engineering Manager (NPI)

San Diego, CA

$113K - $140K/yr

Torque, adhesive & critical process parameter control * Operator training material development ... Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering (master ...

Cohu

Manufacturing Engineering Manager (NPI)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$113K - $140K/yr

Torque, adhesive & critical process parameter control * Operator training material development ... Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering (master ...

Primus Aerospace

CMM Operator

Reisterstown, MD

$25 - $35/hr

Primus Aerospace is a leading manufacturing partner to aerospace, defense, and spaceOEMs, Primes ... Provide support to the Quality Control team across various inspection activities

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Aerospace Control Operator information

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How much do aerospace control operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerospace control operator in the United States is $24.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aerospace Control Operator vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAerospace Control OperatorAir Traffic Controller
Required CertificationsFAA certifications, radar operation licensesFAA certifications, radar and communication licenses
Work EnvironmentAir traffic control centers, radar facilities, military basesAirport towers, control centers, military airfields
Employer & IndustryMilitary, aerospace agencies, governmentCommercial airports, government agencies
Job FocusMonitoring and controlling aerospace traffic, ensuring safety of aircraft in controlled airspaceManaging aircraft movements on the ground and in the airspace around airports

Both roles involve monitoring aircraft movements and ensuring safety, but Aerospace Control Operators typically work in military or aerospace settings focusing on space and high-altitude traffic, while Air Traffic Controllers primarily manage aircraft within airport airspace and on runways. Certifications and work environments overlap, but their operational focus differs based on industry and setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerospace Control Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerospace Control Operator, you need strong analytical skills, situational awareness, and typically a high school diploma with completion of specialized military training. Familiarity with radar systems, flight tracking software, and secure communication platforms is essential for the role. Excellent decision-making, composure under pressure, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills in this position. These skills ensure mission success, airspace safety, and efficient coordination during high-stakes operations.

What are Aerospace Control Operators?

Aerospace Control Operators are military personnel responsible for monitoring, controlling, and coordinating airspace activities. They use radar, computers, and communication systems to track aircraft, provide flight information, and assist with airborne missions. Their duties are critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of military air operations, including air defense and air traffic control. Aerospace Control Operators work closely with pilots, commanders, and other defense staff to maintain secure and orderly skies.

How does an Aerospace Control Operator typically collaborate with other teams during a mission?

Aerospace Control Operators regularly coordinate with pilots, air traffic controllers, and mission planners to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft and aerospace vehicles. Collaboration often involves real-time communication to relay critical information about flight paths, weather conditions, and mission objectives. Operators also work closely with technical support and maintenance teams to resolve equipment issues quickly. This teamwork is essential for maintaining situational awareness and achieving mission success in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
More about Aerospace Control Operator jobs
What states have the most Aerospace Control Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Control Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Control Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Control Operator jobs are:
Aerospace Control Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Control Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,245 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
GNC Engineer II

GNC Engineer II

Firefly Aerospace

Cedar Park, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Firefly Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 61 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

As a GNC Engineer at Firefly, you will design, analyze, and operate the GNC systems of operational launch vehicles. In this role, you will develop GNC and simulation software, perform dynamic analyses, and support mission operations while continuing to build breadth across core GNC competencies. This position offers hands-on experience with launch vehicle ascent guidance, attitude control systems, and real-time flight operations in a fast-paced environment. You will deepen your technical capabilities and refine your desired career trajectory, taking ownership of system elements and software tools as you grow toward a senior GNC role at Firefly.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop and validate GNC software to ensure successful launch vehicle mission execution
  • Tune and configure attitude determination and control algorithms for all phases of launch vehicle flight
  • Perform 6DOF dynamic analysis of nominal and dispersed ascent trajectories
  • Develop and maintain simulation models for sensors, actuators, and environmental effects
  • Create tools to automate workflows, process flight data, and generate technical reports
  • Conduct stability analysis, sensitivity studies, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of GNC systems under nominal and off-nominal flight conditions
  • Interface with cross-discipline teams to integrate GNC software with vehicle hardware
  • Serve as a GNC console operator for launch operations and perform post-flight analysis to improve vehicle models
  • Author technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate GNC concepts and results to diverse audiences
  • Build proficiency across core GNC competencies while contributing to continuous improvement of GNC processes and tools
QUALIFICATIONSRequired
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or related field
  • 2-5 years of professional experience in aerospace guidance, navigation, and control, or related technical discipline
  • Understanding of launch vehicle flight mechanics and attitude dynamics
  • Familiarity with numerical simulation techniques, integration methods, and modeling of dynamic systems
  • Experience with Python for scripting, data analysis, and visualization
  • Familiarity with C++ for real-time or flight-critical applications
  • Understanding of software development best practices including version control (Git), code documentation, and testing
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
Desired
  • Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering or related field with focus on GNC, flight mechanics, or controls
  • Experience supporting launch vehicle GNC across development, integration, and flight
  • Proficiency in C++ for embedded systems or real-time applications
  • Knowledge of state estimation techniques including Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, and covariance analysis
  • Knowledge of numerical optimization and targeting methods applied to trajectory design
  • Familiarity with modern flight software frameworks and real-time operating systems
  • Familiarity with CI/CD workflows and automated testing practices
  • Experience with Linux development environments and command-line tools
  • Exposure to spaceflight mission operations or launch campaigns

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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