ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Engineer VI

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$116K - $208K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

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 ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsFlight Control Engineer JobsFlight Control Engineer Jobs in California

Flight Control Engineer information

See California salary details

$20

$81

$104

How much do flight control engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 is a flight control engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight control engineer?

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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,811 per year, or $81.2 per hour.

Lead Flight Controls & Software Engineer - Special Programs

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$138K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
About the Role
Special Programs is Archer's rapid-prototyping, cross-functional engineering team supporting advanced and defense-focused development efforts. We operate as a small, empowered group capable of moving quickly across disciplines - from early technical assessment of new opportunities through hands-on design, analysis, and prototype development.
The Lead Special Programs Engineer - Flight Controls & Software brings deep flight controls and software engineering expertise as their organic core competency - control law development, flight dynamics, and the embedded flight control and autopilot software that implements them for prototype vehicles.
What You'll Do
  • Lead flight control law design and analysis for prototype vehicles, including control law development, flight dynamics modeling, and stability and control assessment
  • Lead development of embedded flight control and autopilot software, from architecture through implementation and flight test support
  • Support rapid prototyping efforts end-to-end, from concept modeling and simulation through hardware-in-the-loop test and flight test support
  • Own the flight controls and software discipline within Special Programs - setting technical approach, standards, and analysis/development methods used across the program's flight controls and software work
  • Conduct technical feasibility assessments of new opportunities - evaluating whether emerging concepts, RFPs, or mission requirements are viable within your focus area and what approach they would require
  • Serve as a cross-functional technical contributor across Special Programs efforts outside your core focus area when program needs require it
  • Collaborate with program leads, other Special Programs engineers, and broader Archer engineering teams to align technical approaches with program timelines and constraints
  • Produce technical documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages supporting both design maturity reviews and opportunity/capture decisions
  • Represent Special Programs work in your focus area in internal reviews and, as needed, in discussions with government stakeholders

What You'll Need
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Controls, Electrical, or Computer Engineering (advanced degree a plus)
  • Demonstrated experience in flight control law development, flight dynamics, or stability and control analysis for aerospace platforms
  • Demonstrated experience developing embedded flight control or autopilot software
  • Familiarity with relevant control design, simulation, and embedded software development tools
  • Demonstrated ability to work across the full development lifecycle - concept through prototype - in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment
  • Experience or strong aptitude for evaluating technical feasibility of early-stage concepts, not just executing against defined requirements
  • Comfort operating as a generalist when needed - willingness and ability to contribute outside your core focus area in support of program needs
  • Ability to work independently with significant technical ownership and no direct-report support structure
  • 8-12 years of relevant engineering experience (or equivalent demonstrated experience in rapid-prototyping / advanced-programs environments)
  • Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee), as defined by ITAR/EAR
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance

What Makes This Role Different
This isn't a seat on Archer's core flight controls & software team. Special Programs engineers are chosen for deep discipline expertise and the versatility to support wherever a program needs it - from early opportunity evaluation to hands-on prototype work across disciplines. You'll have significant technical ownership and autonomy, working in a small team built to move fast on some of Archer's most forward-looking defense efforts.
At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $138,200 - $190,100. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.

Apply