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Flight Control System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Control Law Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

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Flight Control System Engineer information

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$108.8K

$175.5K

How much do flight control system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight control system engineer in the United States is $108,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Flight Control System Engineer, you need strong knowledge of aerospace engineering principles, control systems, and software development, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with industry tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, flight simulation software, and familiarity with DO-178C certification standards is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving skills, collaborative teamwork, and clear technical communication set top candidates apart in this role. These capabilities ensure safe, reliable flight control system design, effective integration with broader teams, and compliance with stringent industry regulations.

What does a flight control system engineer do?

A Flight Control System Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft flight control systems, ensuring safe and efficient operation. They work on both software and hardware components, including autopilot systems, control laws, and feedback mechanisms. Their role involves simulation, modeling, and integration of control algorithms to enhance aircraft stability and performance. They collaborate with aerospace engineers, pilots, and regulatory agencies to meet safety and certification standards. This position requires expertise in aerodynamics, control theory, and system dynamics.

More about Flight Control System Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Control System Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Flight Control System Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Flight Control System Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Control System Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Control System Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,776 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Flight Controls Engineer

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Flight Controls Engineer
Job Summary:
ESAero is seeking an experienced Flight ControlsEngineer with fixed wing, rotorcraft, and flight test experience to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The engineer will lead and support the simulation and development of advanced control systems for conventional and unique configurations of aircraft including multi-propulsor eVTOL and CTOL aircraft at all scales (VTOL sUAS to eVTOL manned platforms, research platforms, CTOL Distributed Electric Propulsion aircraft). This is a multi-functional role that will also require candidates to be involved in all phases of design and development of new platforms collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel.
Responsibilities and Duties:
  • Development of flight dynamics simulations ranging from conventional aircraft to complex VTOL with rotor dynamics.
  • Design, development, and implementation of optimal and adaptive flight controls and guidance laws for reconfigurable aircraft
  • Development of flight test maneuvers for system verification and identification
  • System identification in time a frequency domain
  • Support integration and test of aircraft for flight test
  • Collaborate closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, software, systems engineering, and flight test teams to ensure successful integration of flight control systems within the overall aircraft architecture.
  • Actively work on improving processes, methods, and tools for flight control
  • Conduct peer reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams
  • Support flight operations during ground and flight test activities, including pre-flight readiness reviews, real-time test monitoring, post-flight analysis, and troubleshooting of flight control system issues.
  • Participate in safety assessments, failure mode analyses, and system-level trade studies to ensure flight control architectures meet reliability, redundancy, and airworthiness requirements.

Required Qualifications and Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
  • 2+ years of flight controls andsimulation engineering experience.
  • Experience in UAS and manned aircraft design
  • Good understanding of complex aircraft dynamics (aero, structures, control)
  • Experience simulating non-linear complex aircraft sub-systems and systems
  • Experience with frequency and time domain system analysis
  • Control system simulation, implementation, test, and verification experience
  • Familiarity with implementation of embedded real-time control system
  • Familiarity with system identification of aircraft from flight test
  • Fundamental understanding of other disciplines (Aerodynamics, Structures, Electrical Eng., Embedded systems)

Desired Qualifications and Skills:
  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent and
  • Experience with non-linear controls and analysis (adaptive control, neural networks, machine learning)
  • Experience with implementation of embedded real-time control systems
  • Experience designing to FAA and Military standards relating to the control system design for aircraft.
  • Experience with system identification of aircraft from flight test
  • Experience with Risk Management
  • Familiarity with FAA and Military standards relating to the control system design for aircraft.

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:
  • Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day off.
  • Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
  • Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
  • Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
  • Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.
At ESAero, we don't just build products, we engineer solutions that propel
the aerospace industry forward.
**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**
ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participation required for employment.
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Must be able to pass background check.
Pay Range: $90,000 - 120,000 Salary Exempt