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Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer II

Poway, CA · On-site

$68K - $116K/yr

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 I

Poway, CA · On-site

$62K - $105K/yr

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 ...

Controls Engineer

Midland, TX · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

... of flight hardware and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) - from design trades and ... Key Responsibilities Controls engineers are involved in the entire lifecycle of automation projects:

Controls Engineer

Rockford, MI · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Opportunities range from entry-level to Lead Controls and Engineering Manager roles. Most jobs require minimal travel. Responsibilities: * Provide electrical solutions for automation equipment.

Controls Engineer

Midland, TX · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

... of flight hardware and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) - from design trades and ... Key Responsibilities Controls engineers are involved in the entire lifecycle of automation projects:

Senior Controls Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

Mentor, coach, and train entry level Controls Engineers * Communicate with all departments on project progress and status * Support quoting team by providing input on concepts, hours, and material ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Zeeland, MI

$89K - $117K/yr

Mentor, coach, and train entry level Controls Engineers * Communicate with all departments on project progress and status * Support quoting team by providing input on concepts, hours, and material ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Zeeland, MI

$89K - $117K/yr

Mentor, coach, and train entry level Controls Engineers * Communicate with all departments on project progress and status * Support quoting team by providing input on concepts, hours, and material ...

Controls Engineer

Detroit, MI

$82K - $106K/yr

Lead and mentor co-ops, interns, entry level engineers. * Support plants and their controls teams as required. * Manages supplier development and delivery. * All other duties as assigned. Required ...

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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 Jul 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 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 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.
More about Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Controls Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Flight Controls Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Flight Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,051 per year, or $82.2 per hour.
MK2 GN&C Flight Controls Engineer III - Lunar Permanence

MK2 GN&C Flight Controls Engineer III - Lunar Permanence

Blue Origin

Denver, CO

$119K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This role is part of the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin's Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will join our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C)team with an emphasis in Flight Controls. You will share in the team's impact on all aspects of the development of control laws and flight software for spacecraft from Earth to the Moon! You will also prototype algorithms,conduct trade studies for control architectures, and perform linear stability analyses using classical and modern approaches.Expect tocollaborate closely with other subsystems and spacecraft systems engineers to support the development of subsystem boundaries, interfaces, and technicalperformance measures. In this capacity, you willbe responsible forexemplifying best practices, balanced technical judgment, and superior work ethic.

We are looking for someone to apply their technicalexpertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positivelyimpactsafe human spaceflight. Passion for ourmissionisrequired!

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum of a B.S. degree in Aerospace, Mechatronic, or Electrical engineering or closely related subject areas

  • Applied industry experience and/or M.S. or Ph.D. focused on development of spacecraft controls

  • Proven experience in GN&C algorithm development specifically for flight and attitude control using classical and modern control methods

  • Knowledgeable in frequency domain analysis techniques

  • Robust understanding of controller stability derivatives and stability margins with respect to flexible body dynamics, slosh dynamics, and spacecraft dynamics

  • Demonstrated experience with control law design for aerospace vehicles

  • Familiarity with development of requirements, interfaces,tradesand analyses for aerospace GN&C applications

  • Understand the relationship between attitude control, vehicle configuration, spacecraft dynamics, actuators, sensors, and automation

  • Experience inMatlab/Simulink and Model Based Development

  • Experience coding in C/C++

  • Robust understanding of software and data configuration management techniques and tools

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to earn trust and maintainpositive and professional relationships

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum

Preferred Qualifications

  • M.S. or PhD in Aerospace, Mechatronic, Electrical Engineering or closely related technical subject area

  • Proven experience in development,implementationand testing of GN&C systems for aerospace vehicles

  • Demonstrated technical experience through the full lifecycle of system development

  • Proficiencyin different control law schemes such as PID, Phase-Plane, H-Infinity, Lead and Lag Compensators, Dynamic Inversion, etc.

  • Experience designing flight control systems with reaction control systems (RCS), cold or hot gas thrusters, thrust vector control (TVC), or electric propulsion

  • Deep knowledge of astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, attitudekinematicsand dynamics

  • Experience with spacecraft control system design considerations vital for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD).

  • On-orbit experience providing GN&C support during mission operations

  • Experience synthesizing and evaluating Monte Carlo simulations, hardware-in-the-loop, and software-in-the-loop testing

  • Experience with real-time flight software and Simulink/Embedded Coder

  • Hands-on experience with GN&C flight hardware

  • Experience with performing system safety analyses including Functional Hazard Assessments; Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analyses; and Fault Tree Analysis

  • Experience withMatlab/Simulink linear analysis tools.

  • Experience with collaboration tools such as Gitlab, Confluence, and JIRA


Base Pay Range for:

CO applicants is $119,814.00 - $167,738.55 WA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.


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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000