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Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer Jobs in Knightdale, NC

Entry-Level Traveling Controls Engineer Overview: Seeking a Controls Engineer with 1+ year of experience in PLC troubleshooting, commissioning, and automation systems. This role supports ...

Entry-Level Traveling Controls Engineer Overview: Seeking a Controls Engineer with 1+ year of experience in PLC troubleshooting, commissioning, and automation systems. This role supports ...

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Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer information

See Knightdale, NC salary details

$19

$74

$95

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

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level flight controls engineer in Knightdale, NC is $74.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69.66 and $81.78 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.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer jobs in Knightdale, NC?

For Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer jobs in Knightdale, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer jobs in Knightdale, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer jobs in Knightdale, NC are:

Controls Engineer

Holly Springs, NC

Actalent
Business Management Consulting • 5 - 10K employees

$39.42 - $50/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Entry-Level Traveling Controls Engineer

Overview:

Seeking a Controls Engineer with 1+ year of experience in PLC troubleshooting, commissioning, and automation systems. This role supports manufacturing, pharmaceutical, industrial, and data center projects, with significant travel to client sites for system startup, validation, and troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs (Rockwell preferred)
  • Commission and validate automation/control systems
  • Integrate equipment into new and existing control architectures
  • Support power monitoring, building management, and facility control systems
  • Work with engineers and clients to deliver reliable automation solutions
  • Travel to project sites for startup, testing, and client support

Required Qualifications:

  • 1+ year of PLC troubleshooting experience (Rockwell preferred)
  • 1+ year of commissioning, integration, or controls experience
  • Experience in industrial, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, GMP, or data center environments
  • Strong automation, electrical, and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work independently and travel extensively

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Data center, power monitoring, or building management system experience
  • Exposure to life sciences, utilities, or power projects
  • Strong documentation and organizational skills

Why Apply?

  • Extensive travel and hands-on field experience
  • Exposure to advanced automation and control technologies
  • Strong internal growth and long-term career development opportunities

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Holly Springs, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $39.42 - $50.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Holly Springs,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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