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Flight Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Flight Controls Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) engineer will focus on flight controls and support world class production Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) programs. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Perform GNC ...

General Atomics

Flight Controls Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) engineer will focus on flight controls and support world class production Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) programs. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Perform GNC ...

General Atomics

Flight Controls Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) engineer will focus on flight controls and support world class production Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) programs. Job Summary General Atomics Aeronautical ...

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

$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

$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 ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Sciences Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team within TRS performs implementation, analysis, test ... PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field * Experience with flight ...

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Flight Control Engineer information

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$81

$104

How much do flight control engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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, 76% Full Time, 20% 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.

Flight Controls Engineer

General Atomics

Poway, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
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 will focus on flight controls and support world class production Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) programs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform GNC-related tasks for varying levels of aircraft modifications, including requirements development, software integration and validation, simulation analysis to support airworthiness risk assessment, flight test planning, and analysis of flight data.
  • Evaluate the impact to Flight Controls from system changes, such as new external payloads and software updates, utilizing linear and non-linear analyses, piloted simulation, SIL/HIL testing, and ground/flight testing.
  • Ensure new developments comply with system requirements, legacy system performance, and follow industry best practices.
  • Troubleshoot flight control anomalies experienced in fielded systems via flight data analysis and simulation, correlating with flight software operation and generating flight software corrective actions.
  • Analyze the aerodynamic characteristics of existing aircraft to ensure current flying qualities performance is maintained.
  • Comfortable interacting with disciplines closely related to Flight Controls, such as Aerodynamics, Structures, Test Engineers, and Systems Engineers.
  • Occasional travel to flight test facilities to support ground and flight test activities.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Degree in aerospace/aeronautical, electrical, mechanical, or related engineering field is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrates a growing technical understanding and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
  • Above-average documentation and communication skills.
  • Coding in C or C++ programming language.
  • MATLAB scripting.
  • Must be customer focused and able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance is required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with unmanned air vehicles.
  • Simulink model programming.
  • Automatic code generation using MathWorks' toolset.
  • Coding in Python programming language.

What General Atomics employees say

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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