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Flight Control Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flight Test Control Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are Lockheed Martin Flight Test Ground Operations (Control) Engineer for F-35 aircraft. The successful applicant will provide Flight Test Ground Operations engineering support. Tasks will include ...

WI · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Analyzing control law performance under various flight conditions and refining parameters for ... Collaborating with embedded engineers to ensure correct integration and calibration of control laws.

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Flight Control Engineer information

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$82

$105

How much do flight control engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight control 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 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.

More about Flight Control Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Flight Control Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Flight Control Engineer job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Flight Control Engineer jobs?

The top employers for Flight Control Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Flight Control Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Flight Control Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Flight Control Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,051 per year, or $82.2 per hour.

Technical Expert, Engineering, Flight Control Laws Design, Development

PDS Tech Commercial

Wichita, KS

$91.69 - $117.26/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Lead Next-Generation Aviation Innovation as a Technical Expert – Flight Control Laws Design & Development

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an elite Technical Expert – Engineering, Flight Control Laws Design & Development to join our team in partnership with a leader in the aviation industry. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of Fly-By-Wire aircraft systems through advanced control law development, simulation, certification, and flight performance optimization. If you are a seasoned aerospace engineer with deep expertise in controls design and flight dynamics, this is the role where your ideas will move aviation forward.

Job Title: Technical Expert, Engineering, Flight Control Laws Design & Development
Job Type: Contractor, Contractor-to-Hire, or Direct Placement
Locations: Wichita, USA

Your Impact

As a Technical Expert in Flight Control Laws, you will lead the design and advancement of control systems that define aircraft handling, safety, stability, and performance. Your expertise will directly influence next-generation aircraft development, research initiatives, certification programs, and in-service product enhancements.

What You’ll Do
  • Design, develop, and improve new and existing Flight Control Laws (CLaws) and supporting assessment tools using MATLAB and C++

  • Support autopilot, navigation, and control law development for research and development programs

  • Define and refine control laws and system requirements

  • Perform validation and verification (V&V) for updates and new control law designs

  • Deliver control laws in compliance with DO-178B and SAE ARP4754 standards

  • Design pilot-in-the-loop control laws based on handling qualities, structural envelope protection, performance, and aircraft-level requirements

  • Evaluate system failures, aircraft stability, and performance using simulations, analytical methods, pilot-in-the-loop testing, and flight test data

  • Support integration of control laws into test rigs and supplier hardware platforms

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with avionics, systems, flight test, certification, and supplier teams

  • Drive innovation in advanced flight control methodologies for future aircraft programs

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering (PhD preferred)

  • Minimum 10 years of experience developing Flight Control Laws for Fly-By-Wire aircraft

  • Deep expertise in aircraft flight dynamics and aerodynamics

  • Strong knowledge of classical and modern control system design techniques for SISO and MIMO systems

  • Experience with advanced control law methods and evaluation techniques

  • Strong understanding of aircraft stability, handling qualities, and pilot-in-the-loop control systems

  • Knowledge of DO-178B standards, certification processes, and software verification methods

  • Advanced proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, and aircraft/system modeling tools

  • Strong programming skills in MATLAB scripting and C++

  • Fluent in written and spoken French and English

  • Self-motivated team player with the ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives

Preferred Qualifications
  • PhD in Aerospace Engineering

  • Experience with Kalman filtering and state estimation techniques

  • Background supporting flight test programs or certification campaigns

  • Experience integrating control laws with Collins, Thales, NRC, CMC, or similar hardware platforms

  • Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities

Why Join Us

At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect world-class engineering talent with industry leaders redefining aerospace excellence. When you join us, you’ll enjoy:

  • Flexible hiring options: contract, contract-to-hire, or direct placement

  • Hybrid work flexibility in Montreal

  • Opportunity to lead cutting-edge Fly-By-Wire innovation programs

  • Work alongside top aerospace engineers and global technology partners

  • Competitive compensation based on experience and employment type

  • Career advancement through high-visibility technical leadership opportunities

  • A collaborative culture that values innovation, expertise, and professional growth

Ready to Define the Future of Flight?

If you’re ready to bring your flight controls expertise to a role where innovation meets impact, apply today and elevate your career with PDS Tech Commercial.


Pay Details: $91.69 to $117.26 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



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About PDS Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1977, PDS Tech, Inc. is one of the nation's premier specialty staffing firms with 31 offices nationwide.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1977

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