1

Flight Control Systems Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Experience with control systems design (Classical, Modern, SISO/MIMO) and V&V activities ... flight and structural envelope protection requirements, performance requirements, test pilot ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Flight Control Systems Technician information

See salary details

$12

$24

$39

How much do flight control systems technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight control systems technician in the United States is $24.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Flight Control Systems Technicians when troubleshooting complex avionics issues?

Flight Control Systems Technicians often encounter challenges when diagnosing issues within integrated avionics systems, as these systems can involve multiple interconnected components and software. Pinpointing the root cause of a malfunction may require in-depth knowledge of both mechanical and electronic subsystems, as well as proficiency in using diagnostic tools and interpreting schematics. Technicians frequently collaborate with engineers and other maintenance professionals to resolve complex issues efficiently while ensuring strict compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Continuous learning and adaptability are key, given the rapid advancement of aircraft technology.

What is the difference between Flight Control Systems Technician vs Avionics Technician?

AspectFlight Control Systems TechnicianAvionics Technician
CredentialsTypically requires FAA certifications, technical diplomas, or associate degreesSimilar certifications, often FAA certifications and technical training
Work EnvironmentAircraft maintenance hangars, airports, and maintenance facilitiesAircraft cockpits, maintenance shops, and field service locations
Industry UsagePrimarily in commercial, military, and private aviation sectorsCommercial and general aviation, often overlapping with flight control roles

Flight Control Systems Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing aircraft flight control systems, ensuring proper operation of control surfaces and related components. Avionics Technicians work on a broader range of electronic systems, including navigation, communication, and flight control systems. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, often overlapping in the aviation industry.

What does a Flight Control Systems Technician do?

A Flight Control Systems Technician is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the flight control systems of aircraft. These systems include the mechanical and electronic components that manage an aircraft's direction, altitude, and stability, such as autopilot, actuators, and control surfaces. Technicians use specialized tools and diagnostic equipment to ensure all systems are functioning safely and efficiently. Their work is crucial for aircraft safety and compliance with aviation regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Control Systems Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Control Systems Technician, you need a strong background in electronics, avionics, and mechanical systems, usually supported by an associate degree or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, schematic reading, and maintenance software like AMOS or CAMP, as well as FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure the safe and precise operation of aircraft flight control systems, directly impacting flight safety and reliability.
More about Flight Control Systems Technician jobs
What job categories do people searching Flight Control Systems Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Control Systems Technician jobs are:
Infographic showing various Flight Control Systems Technician job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,826 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Flight Control Engineer

Innovative Aerosystems

Exton, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description:
  • Develops, analyzes, and supports aircraft flight control systems, including manual flight controls, stability augmentation systems, and autopilot / flight director functions.
  • Provides technical expertise in control law development, analysis, and tuning, ensuring stable, robust, and compliant system behavior across the aircraft operating envelope.
  • Applies flight dynamics and control theory to support system architectures, requirements development, and performance optimization.
  • Collaborates closely with avionics, software, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of flight control functionality.
  • Participates in the design, validation, and verification of autopilot modes, guidance laws, and control system interfaces.
  • Assists in the development and review of system requirements, control system specifications, and interface documents.
  • Supports system analyses including handling qualities, stability margins, failure responses, and flight control system performance assessments.
  • Contributes to system safety analyses related to flight control functions, including fault detection, redundancy, and failure effects.
  • Supports simulation, lab, and flight test activities, including pre-flight readiness, test planning, data review, and control law refinement.
  • Tracks assigned engineering tasks, reports status, and supports root-cause investigations related to flight control performance issues.

Performs specialized engineering tasks with moderate supervision, demonstrating independent technical judgment within defined project scope

Requirements:


PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • BS, MS or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
  • Approximately 5 years of experience in an avionics, flight controls, or aircraft systems engineering role.
  • Strong foundation in classical and modern control theory, including stability, feedback control, and control system tuning.
  • Solid understanding of aircraft flight dynamics, handling qualities, and control surface behavior.
  • Experience with autopilot system design, evaluation, or tuning is required.
  • Familiarity with model-based design, simulation environments, or control analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent).
  • Working knowledge of avionics systems and software development processes, including exposure to DO-178C principles.
  • Ability to read and understand system schematics, block diagrams, and avionics interfaces.
  • Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., IBM DOORS) is a plus.
  • Demonstrated understanding of aircraft systems integration and interfaces.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Pilot license and/or flight test exposure is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to see and manipulate small parts and documentation.
  • Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, or stretch consistent with a typical engineering office role.
  • Must be able to lift and carry components up to 30 lbs.
  • Must be able to participate in aircraft ground and flight test activities.
  • Must be able to operate computer equipment for analysis, simulation, and documentation.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

  • Learn Company products and applicable flight control architectures within six (6) months.
  • Learn Company procedures and engineering processes within three (3) months.
  • Acquire working knowledge of the IA Quality System within three (3) months.
  • Maintain a growing understanding of technologies relevant to flight control and avionics systems, including aircraft interfaces, sensors, actuators, and embedded software.
  • Gain familiarity with certification standards and regulatory guidance applicable to flight control systems.

All IA positions may include duties beyond those outlined above. Employees are expected to raise questions regarding any task that may fall outside their physical or professional capabilities.
All IA associates are expected to take responsibility for personal and workplace safety, facility security, and protection of proprietary information and technologies.


U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENTS

Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have asylum or refugee status in the U.S.


Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

IA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.