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Flight Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Engineer VI

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$116K - $208K/yr

Translate the physics of flight control avionics, aerodynamic characteristics, and mass properties ... May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education. * Relevant background in the ...

General Atomics

Engineer VI

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Translate the physics of flight control avionics, aerodynamic characteristics, and mass properties ... May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education. * Relevant background in the ...

Hermeus

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Develop and maintain embedded flight software for our aircraft systems, including flight control, navigation, communication, and avionics systems. * Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure ...

Hermeus

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Develop and maintain embedded flight software for our aircraft systems, including flight control, navigation, communication, and avionics systems. * Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure ...

Reliable Robotics

Sr. Flight Test Engineer

San Martin, CA · On-site

$190K - $260K/yr

We are a team of mission-driven engineers with experience across aerospace, robotics and self ... The team regularly ensures the proper function of mechanical, electrical, and flight control ...

Hermeus

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$105K - $125K/yr

Develop and maintain embedded flight software for our aircraft systems, including flight control, navigation, communication, and avionics systems.  * Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure ...

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Flight Control Engineer information

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$81

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How much do flight control engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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.
Sr. Principal Flight Control Actuation System (FCAS) Engineer

Sr. Principal Flight Control Actuation System (FCAS) Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$142K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Sr. Principal Flight Control Actuation System (FCAS) Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in El Segundo, CA.

The selected candidate will support the flight control actuation system (FCAS) design and analysis needs of unclassified and classified programs. The engineer will work independently and collaborate across multiple teams to deliver quality solutions.

The role is dynamic as members of the team handle a broad range of activities across multiple phases of the program to include development, production, and operational support.

Some of those responsibilities are:

  • Integrate avionics hardware while accounting for hardware capabilities/limitations, defining interfaces, and incorporating required redundancy.
  • Support proposal development, technical planning, verification & validation, cost & risk analysis, and trade studies.
  • Perform project planning to determine program requirements and develop plans for program execution
  • Interface with external FCAS suppliers and manage external FCAS supplier activities
  • Develop and present materials for internal and external program related briefings
  • Utilize strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with key cross-discipline stakeholders to achieve program objectives in a timely manner
  • Perform technical and ICD writing
  • Perform task planning
  • Conduct technical peer reviews
  • Work on complex technical problems and provide solutions which are highly innovative
  • Collaborate and execute on long-range goals and objectives
  • Develop advanced technological ideas and guide development into a final product

This position requires 100% on-site work. There is no telework/hybrid work schedule available. Travel for this role is approximately 20 - 25%.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) discipline and 8 years of relevant experience; OR a Master's Degree in a related STEM degree and 6 years of relevant experience; OR a PhD in a related STEM degree with 4 years of relevant experience
  • Demonstrated experience with avionics development or background in electronics engineering
  • Demonstrated experience with subsystem integration and developing/maintaining Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
  • Demonstrated experience with requirements management and verification practices
  • Demonstrated experience with system checkout and troubleshooting practices
  • Demonstrated experience developing test plans and procedures for system integration
  • Demonstrated experience developing, testing, and integrating Flight Control Actuation Systems
  • Demonstrated experience using MATLAB to create, process, analyze, and visually represent data
  • Demonstrated experience with supplier management, technical artifact review, and adjudication as part of development activities
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active US Government Secret security clearance or higher
  • Comprehensive knowledge of flight control actuation systems
  • Experience with system redundancy and associated safety analysis
  • Experience performing system-level design/troubleshooting
  • Experience with motor controller software in flight critical systems
  • Experience with Safety of Flight (SoF) and/or airworthiness certification testing and artifact generation
  • Experience with Agile design teams and tools (Atlassian)
  • Understanding of Systems Engineering Principles and Model Based Systems Engineering tools (MBSE) with a practical focus for relevant use cases in propulsion integration.
Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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