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Entry Level Apron Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... controllers (PLCs), or OPC data transfer preferred. • Experience in solution design and ... or apron and arm guards). • All associates working on the production floor may be required to ...

Entry Level Apron Controller information

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$20

$28

$32

How much do entry level apron controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level apron controller in the United States is $28.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Apron Controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Apron Controller, you need strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of airport operations, often supported by completion of relevant aviation or air traffic control training. Familiarity with radio communication systems, airport movement area guidance, and airside safety protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate efficiently with pilots, ground staff, and other controllers. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, orderly, and efficient aircraft movements on the apron, minimizing risks and delays.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level apron controllers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Entry level apron controllers often face challenges such as managing multiple aircraft movements simultaneously, ensuring clear communication with pilots and ground staff, and adapting quickly to rapidly changing conditions on the apron. Effective time management, attention to detail, and maintaining situational awareness are crucial for success in this role. New controllers can benefit from mentorship, ongoing training, and regularly reviewing standard operating procedures to build confidence and competence in high-pressure situations.

What are Entry Level Apron Controllers?

Entry Level Apron Controllers are aviation professionals responsible for managing and coordinating aircraft movements on the airport apron, which is the area where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded, refueled, or boarded. They ensure that aircraft, vehicles, and personnel move safely and efficiently within this area, preventing collisions and minimizing delays. At the entry level, apron controllers work under supervision and gradually gain experience with the complexities of apron operations. Their role is essential to maintaining the overall safety and efficiency of airport ground operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Apron Controller vs Ramp Agent?

AspectEntry Level Apron ControllerRamp Agent
CertificationsTypically requires basic airport operations trainingUsually requires safety and equipment handling training
Work EnvironmentControls aircraft movements on the apron, coordinating with ground staffAssists with baggage handling, aircraft servicing, and loading
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, airports, ground handling companiesAirlines, ground services, airports

Entry Level Apron Controllers focus on managing aircraft movements on the apron, ensuring safety and coordination. Ramp Agents handle baggage, cargo, and aircraft servicing tasks. While both roles work in airport ground operations, the Apron Controller primarily oversees aircraft positioning, whereas Ramp Agents perform hands-on ground support activities.

More about Entry Level Apron Controller jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Apron Controller jobs? The most popular types of Apron Controller jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Apron Controller jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Apron Controller jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Apron Controller job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 50% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,144 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Developer I- MES USA

Developer I- MES USA

First Solar

Trinity, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


First Solar rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 72 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

427th of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Summary:
First Solar is a leading provider of solar energy solutions, and they are seeking a Developer I for their Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). The role involves designing, developing, testing, and implementing manufacturing software systems while supporting First Solar’s manufacturing systems, R&D, and quality systems.
Responsibilities:
• Design and develop new software systems and modify existing ones for First Solar’s manufacturing in a fast paced & agile development environment.
• Participate and Provide inputs actively in solution design, performing analysis and tradeoffs for the various solutions and technology options.
• Understand, champion, and enforce software development best practices, design patterns, refactoring techniques, and quality standards.
• Integrate and configure shop floor systems with custom-developed and off-the-shelf solutions.
• Responsible for Manufacturing Systems support and meeting KPIs. Provides afterhours support as required via on-call roster system.
• Investigates problems related to software systems, performs root cause analysis, implements short term and long-term preventative measures.
• Document recurring issues and present possible solutions. Produce technical documentation for service transition to operation.
• Adhere to SDLC processes, agile methodologies, safety procedures and compliance (SOX, etc.)
• Exercise effective communications & foster team building
• Ability to take ownership of small sized tasks and deliver while mentoring team members.
• Work independently with Global MES team and stakeholders across different geographical zones to develop / deliver software solutions.
• Skilled in breaking down problems, documenting problem statements, assisting to explore alternate technology and approaches to solving problems.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor or Master Degree in IT or related field
• 2+ years in software development teams using Microsoft .NET technologies preferred.
• 1+ years of experience interfacing with manufacturing control systems, shop floor automation systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), or OPC data transfer preferred.
• Experience in solution design and development skills based on multi-tiered architecture using C#, XAML, ASP.NET, JavaScript
• Proven expertise in Microsoft SQL Server, T-SQL development, large volume data processing and maintenance
• Experience in Test Driven Design Development technique
• Proven experience with software development life cycle, Agile teams, change management process, and version control packages.
• Proven experience in troubleshooting large complex software system, creative thinker with good problem-solving abilities.
• Experience providing software system support in a global manufacturing environment.
• Self-motivated to learn new skills independently.
• Proven communication, interpersonal, organization and project management skills, including the ability to contribute development efforts with multinational team members.
• Ability to take ownership of small sized tasks and deliver while mentoring team members.
• Work independently with Global MES team and stakeholders across different geographical zones to develop / deliver software solutions.
• Skilled in breaking down problems, documenting problem statements, assisting to explore alternate technology and approaches to solving problems.
• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
• Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required.
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• The ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards).
• All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).
Preferred:
• 2+ years in software development teams using Microsoft .NET technologies preferred.
• 1+ years of experience interfacing with manufacturing control systems, shop floor automation systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), or OPC data transfer preferred.
• Experience with Azure DevOps, Git, YAML, and deploying via Pipelines is preferred.
• Experience with Service Fabric is preferred.
• Experience with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), Angular and AngularJS is preferred.
• Experience interfacing with Allen Bradley Logix PLCs and RSLinx software
• Demonstrated success in integrating manufacturing hardware and 3rd party software systems.
• Experience in Windows mobile applications, Digital Transformation, Industry 4.0 is a plus.
Company:
First Solar manufactures thin film photovoltaic modules and provides PV power plants and supporting services. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Tempe, USA, with a team of 5001-10000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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