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Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Flight Controls Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

GA-ASI has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer Production Programs to support our Flight Technologies group in in San Diego (Poway), CA. The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC ...

General Atomics

GA-ASI has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer Production Programs to support our Flight Technologies group in in San Diego (Poway), CA. The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC ...

General Atomics

Flight Controls Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

GA-ASI has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer Production Programs to support our Flight Technologies group in in San Diego (Poway), CA. The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC ...

General Atomics

Flight Controls Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

GA-ASI has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer Production Programs to support our Flight Technologies group in in San Diego (Poway), CA. The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC ...

Estes Aerospace

Flight Controls Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

... engineers who want to close the loop -- not just model a system, but actually fly it. There's nothing quite like that first flight test. Estes Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes ...

Estes Aerospace

Flight Controls Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

... engineers who want to close the loop -- not just model a system, but actually fly it. There's nothing quite like that first flight test. Estes Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes ...

Skyways

Senior Flight Controls Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

The Opportunity This is a hands-on controls role on a small, fast moving GNC team. You will own ... Analyze flight logs, find root cause, and turn findings into control fixes. * Write and own flight ...

Skyways

Senior Flight Controls Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

The Opportunity This is a hands-on controls role on a small, fast moving GNC team. You will own ... Analyze flight logs, find root cause, and turn findings into control fixes. * Write and own flight ...

Skyways

Senior Flight Controls Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

The Opportunity This is a hands-on controls role on a small, fast moving GNC team. You will own ... Analyze flight logs, find root cause, and turn findings into control fixes. * Write and own flight ...

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Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer information

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How much do entry level flight controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level flight controls engineer in the United States is $82.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77.40 and $90.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level flight controls engineer do?

An Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer assists in the design, development, testing, and implementation of flight control systems for aircraft. Their responsibilities typically include working with senior engineers to create control algorithms, conducting simulations, analyzing data from flight tests, and troubleshooting system issues. They may also help ensure that flight control systems meet safety and regulatory standards. This role is ideal for recent engineering graduates looking to start a career in the aerospace industry.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry level flight controls engineer expect during their first year?

As an Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer, you will typically start by supporting senior engineers on ongoing projects, such as designing, analyzing, and testing control systems for aircraft. Your daily tasks may involve running simulations, documenting test results, and assisting with the integration of hardware and software components. You'll also collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams—including systems, software, and test engineers—to troubleshoot issues and implement design improvements. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to the full development cycle and builds a strong foundation for future advancement within the aerospace industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level flight controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, with strong knowledge of control systems and dynamics, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink, CAD software, and programming languages like C/C++ is important, along with exposure to industry standards and modeling tools. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set candidates apart. These skills are crucial for designing, analyzing, and optimizing flight control systems to ensure aircraft safety and performance.

What is the difference between Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer vs Flight Controls Technician?

AspectEntry Level Flight Controls EngineerFlight Controls Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineeringAssociate degree or technical certification in avionics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, testing, and analysis in engineering labs or officesMaintenance, troubleshooting, and repair in hangars or on aircraft
Employer & Industry UsageAircraft manufacturers, aerospace companies, defense contractorsAirlines, maintenance facilities, aerospace service providers

Entry Level Flight Controls Engineers focus on designing and testing flight control systems, requiring engineering degrees. Flight Controls Technicians perform hands-on maintenance and troubleshooting, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the aerospace industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

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Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,051 per year, or $82.2 per hour.

Flight Controls Engineer

Poway, CA • On-site

General Atomics
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about General Atomicsexternal

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Posted 18 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

GA-ASI has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer Production Programs to support our Flight Technologies group in in San Diego (Poway), CA. The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) engineer will focus on flight controls and support world class production Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) programs.

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

GA-ASI has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer Production Programs to support our Flight Technologies group in in San Diego (Poway), CA. The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) engineer will focus on flight controls and support world class production Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform GNC-related tasks for varying levels of aircraft modifications, including requirements development, software integration and validation, simulation analysis to support airworthiness risk assessment, flight test planning, and analysis of flight data.
  • Evaluate the impact to Flight Controls from system changes, such as new external payloads and software updates, utilizing linear and non-linear analyses, piloted simulation, SIL/HIL testing, and ground/flight testing.
  • Ensure new developments comply with system requirements, legacy system performance, and follow industry best practices.
  • Troubleshoot flight control anomalies experienced in fielded systems via flight data analysis and simulation, correlating with flight software operation and generating flight software corrective actions.
  • Analyze the aerodynamic characteristics of existing aircraft to ensure current flying qualities performance is maintained.
  • Comfortable interacting with disciplines closely related to Flight Controls, such as Aerodynamics, Structures, Test Engineers, and Systems Engineers.
  • Occasional travel to flight test facilities to support ground and flight test activities.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors or masters degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelors degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Degree in aerospace/aeronautical, electrical, mechanical, or related engineering field is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrates a growing technical understanding and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
  • Above-average documentation and communication skills.
  • Coding in C or C++ programming language.
  • MATLAB scripting.
  • Must be customer focused and able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance is required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with unmanned air vehicles.
  • Simulink model programming.
  • Automatic code generation using MathWorks’ toolset.
  • Coding in Python programming language.
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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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