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Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer information

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$61K

$108.8K

$175.5K

How much do air traffic control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for air traffic control systems engineer in the United States is $108,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do air traffic engineers earn?

Air Traffic Control Systems Engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior engineers or those working in high-demand areas may earn higher salaries, and the role often requires specialized training and security clearances.

What is the difference between Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAir Traffic Control Systems EngineerAir Traffic Controller
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in systems or avionicsFAA certification, training in air traffic control procedures
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and maintain control systems, often in offices or labsOperate in control towers, airports, or en-route centers
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, defense, and aviation technology companiesAirports, airlines, and air traffic control agencies

While both roles are vital in aviation, the Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer focuses on designing and maintaining the systems that support air traffic management, whereas the Air Traffic Controller manages aircraft movements directly in the airspace and at airports. Their skills and work environments differ, but both are essential for safe and efficient air travel.

What does an Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer do?

An Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains the complex systems that support air traffic control operations. This includes radar, communication, navigation, and surveillance equipment used to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. They work closely with air traffic controllers, technicians, and regulatory agencies to ensure these systems meet strict safety and reliability standards. Their role is crucial in modernizing airspace management and integrating new technologies into national and international air traffic control infrastructures.

Why can't you be an air traffic controller after 30?

Air Traffic Control Systems Engineers typically do not have age restrictions like air traffic controllers do. The age limit for air traffic controllers is due to the high mental and physical demands of the role, which require quick decision-making and alertness, but engineering roles generally focus on technical skills and experience without strict age limits.

Do air traffic controllers make 300k?

Air traffic control systems engineers typically do not earn $300,000 annually; salaries vary based on experience, location, and certifications. While senior or specialized engineers in the field can reach high six-figure incomes, most salaries are below that threshold, especially in entry- and mid-level positions. High earnings are more common among experienced professionals working in high-cost areas or with advanced responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or systems engineering, with expertise in radar, communications, and navigation systems, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry standards (such as FAA or ICAO regulations), proficiency in simulation software, and experience with systems integration tools are essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills set standout professionals apart. These skills and qualities are critical to designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable systems that ensure the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Air Traffic Control Systems Engineers when integrating new technologies into existing systems?

Air Traffic Control Systems Engineers often face challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy and new systems, maintaining the highest safety standards during transitions, and minimizing disruptions to live air traffic operations. Integration projects require close collaboration with software developers, hardware engineers, and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance and seamless operation. Engineers must also manage tight timelines and adapt to evolving regulations, making strong communication and project management skills essential for success.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Senior roles requiring advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience are typically associated with such high compensation levels.
More about Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer jobs
What states have the most Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Air Traffic Control Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,776 per year, or $52.3 per hour.
Systems Engineer I - Air Traffic Control (Onsite)

Systems Engineer I - Air Traffic Control (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace

Marlborough, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Collins Aerospace rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-06-17

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-MA-MARLBOROUGH-MA3 ~ 1001 Boston Post Rd ~ BLDG 3

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

Are you ready to explore the world of aerospace and defense? Do you want to learn from and collaborate with some of the greatest minds in the industry? At RTX, our internships, co-ops, and full-time careers provide an exceptional foundation to work on complex problems, advance your skills and create a safer, more connected world. Discover opportunities to make a difference at RTX.  

Our Connected Aviation group is thrilled to offer a Systems Engineer I role within our Air Traffic team in Marlborough, MA. As part of the Air Traffic team, you'll be instrumental in developing the next generation of the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) and supporting our existing fielded systems. Step into a role where your innovations will revolutionize air traffic control and make a lasting impact on aviation worldwide.

What You Will Do:

  • You will work on the cutting-edge STARS air traffic control system, the backbone of air traffic management in the United States.
  • You will join a dynamic systems engineering team dedicated to modernizing the STARS system under an exciting new contract.
  • Support the software team to design, develop, and test operational and non-operational software updates for the various program software releases.
  • You will play a key role in verifying requirements by developing rigorous sell-off criteria, ensuring the highest standards of performance and safety.
  • You will have a direct impact on modernizing air traffic control across the country.
     

What You Will Learn:

  • You will gain exposure to multiple air traffic systems and have a helping hand in developing solutions to modernize and integrate them to meet the demands of the future.
  • You will gain experience developing plan and procedures to verify system level requirements and leading test verification events with the customer.

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Bachelor’s in Software or Computer Engineering or equivalent Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) degree.

  • U.S. citizenship is required - Only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under these programs/contracts.
  • Must be willing to obtain FAA clearance: Must have or be capable of obtaining a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) clearance.  

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Ability to receive/understand technical direction, meet assignment dates, and work with others in both an office and laboratory environment.
  • Prior experience in verification of requirements
  • Prior experience in test procedure development
  • Experience with commercial or open-source test automation tools, environments, and frameworks such as Jenkins, Grafana dashboards, Gherkin/Cucumber, Selenium, CUnit/Junit, kickstart.
  • Prior experience with Red Hat Linux 9.x. - Prior experience with integration and test best practices.

What We Offer:

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:    

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance   
  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees   
  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option   
  • Tuition reimbursement program  
  • Student Loan Repayment Program   
  • Life insurance and disability coverage   
  • Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection  
  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits  
  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning   
  • Adoption Assistance            
  • Autism Benefit   
  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions   
  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program  
  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits   
  • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services  
  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program 
  • This position may be eligible for relocation   
  •  And more!   

Learn More and Apply Now! 

Collins Aerospace, a RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. 

Our Avionics team advances flight deck solutions, airborne communications, vision systems, sensors and fire protection for commercial and military customers around the world. That means we’re helping people reach their destination safely and keeping pilots, passengers, flight crews, airlines, airports and military personnel connected and informed. And we’re providing industry-leading fire protection and safety systems that our customers can count on when it matters most. Are you ready to learn from the most knowledgeable experts in the industry, develop the technologies of tomorrow and reach new heights in your career? Join our Avionics team today.

WE ARE REDEFINING AEROSPACE. 

* Please consider the following role type definitions as you apply for this role.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products. Must be a commutable distance to Marlborough, MA to work an onsite schedule. This position may be eligible for relocation.

Regardless of your role type, collaboration and innovation are critical to our business and all employees will have access to digital tools so they can work with colleagues around the world – and access to Collins sites when their work requires in-person meetings. 

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.  

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day. 

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 57,200 USD - 108,800 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About Collins Aerospace

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Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2018