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Flight Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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How much do flight control engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight control engineer in California is $81.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76.39 and $89.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Flight Control Engineers when integrating new technologies into existing aircraft systems?

Flight Control Engineers often encounter challenges when incorporating new technologies into established aircraft systems, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy hardware and software, maintaining compliance with strict aviation safety regulations, and minimizing disruptions to current flight operations. These engineers must work closely with multidisciplinary teams—including software developers, avionics specialists, and certification authorities—to troubleshoot issues and validate system performance through rigorous testing and simulation. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both modern and traditional flight control architectures.

What are Flight Control Engineers?

Flight Control Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain the flight control systems in aircraft and spacecraft. These systems include the hardware and software that allow pilots or automated systems to control the movement and stability of the vehicle during flight. Flight Control Engineers work closely with other aerospace engineers to ensure that these systems are safe, reliable, and meet regulatory standards. Their work is crucial for both manned and unmanned vehicles, including commercial airplanes, military jets, and drones.

What is the difference between Flight Control Engineer vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectFlight Control EngineerFlight Test Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in avionics or control systemsEngineering degree, certifications in testing or aerospace engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and analyze flight control systems in labs and aircraftPlan, execute, and analyze flight test missions
Employer & IndustryAerospace companies, aircraft manufacturersAerospace testing organizations, aircraft manufacturers

Flight Control Engineers focus on designing and improving aircraft control systems, while Flight Test Engineers conduct flight tests to validate these systems. Both roles require aerospace engineering backgrounds and collaborate closely during aircraft development. The main difference lies in their focus: design versus testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Control Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Control Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, control systems theory, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, programming languages such as C/C++, and knowledge of FAA regulations or DO-178C certification are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication set candidates apart in collaborative, high-stakes environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of aircraft flight control systems.
What are popular job titles related to Flight Control Engineer jobs in California? For Flight Control Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Control Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Control Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Control Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Control Engineer job openings:
Flight Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Control Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $168,811 per year, or $81.2 per hour.

Flight Control Design Engineer

Executive Recruiting Group

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Flight Control Law Design engineer in our San Luis Obispo, CA facility. This person will help develop vehicle flight control laws for the Primary Flight Control System and the Automatic Flight Control System of a highly augmented air vehicle. In this role you will be responsible for design and testing of flight control law functions that include rotorcraft-like flight operations and fixed-wing-like flight control.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Establish requirements for FBW flight control function performance, integrity, and availability.
  • Create verification tests to demonstrate the flight control functions based on requirements. 
  • Design and analyze flight control law functions for primary and automatic flight control systems.
  • Conduct, analyze results, and document verification test of flight control law functions.
  • Support flight testing of flight control law functions.

Requirements

  • A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant engineering area
  • 3+ years of experience with fixed-wing or rotorcraft control law, design, analysis, and testing.
  • Fluency in Matlab and Simulink.
  • Experience with IBM DOORS preferred.
  • A deep understanding of classical and modern control system theory and their practical application to design.
  • A deep understanding of rotorcraft and/or fixed-wing flight dynamics including knowledge of stability and control principles and application of handling qualities criteria
  • Knowledge and experience with aircraft certification with FAA, EASA, TCCA, and/or other aircraft certification authorities around the world is preferred.
  • Knowledge and experience with highly integrated system development following SAE guidance ARP-4754A is preferred.
  • Knowledge and experience with systems comprised of items compliant with RTCA standards applicable to aircraft development like DO-160, DO-254, DO-178, DO-331 is preferred.
  • Must be able to demonstrate a clear understanding, knowledge, and ability to develop critical and highly integrated aircraft systems.
  • Ability to read, understand, and interpret results of engineering analyses and tests.
  • Desire to work in a team-centric environment and collaboratively work with others on a daily basis.
  • Strong decision making and communication skills.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills.
  • Candidate is required to be a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. (US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee

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