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Flight Control Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain aircraft systems, including hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, landing gear, engine, flight control, and environmental systems. * Conduct aircraft servicing activities ...

Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on aircraft navigation, communication, radar, flight control, and in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems. * Diagnose electrical and avionics system ...

Design, implement, and validate guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms including ... Perform flight mechanics analyses including stability and control assessments, separation dynamics ...

Flight Dynamicist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Perform flight mechanics analyses including stability and control assessments, separation dynamics, staging events, atmospheric flight, reentry, and orbital mission operations as applicable.

... flight control, displays, radar, communication/navigation, airframe) testing. * Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance (U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants) DESIRED ...

... flight control, displays, radar, communication/navigation, airframe) testing. * Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance (U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants) DESIRED ...

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Flight Control information

See Alabama salary details

$19

$74

$95

How much do flight control jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight control in Alabama is $74.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70.14 and $82.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Flight Control, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Flight Control often encounter high-pressure situations, such as managing multiple aircraft simultaneously during peak traffic or responding to unexpected weather changes. Maintaining focus and effective communication is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency. Teamwork is essential, as flight controllers regularly coordinate with pilots, ground crews, and other controllers to resolve issues quickly. Ongoing training and simulation exercises help prepare for these challenges, making adaptability and composure key traits for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Flight Controller, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with mission control software, telemetry systems, and flight simulation tools is critical for monitoring and managing spacecraft operations. Exceptional problem-solving skills, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure are vital soft skills in this high-stakes environment. These skills ensure the safety, success, and efficiency of space missions by enabling precise decision-making and effective coordination.

What is flight control?

Flight control refers to the systems and processes used to guide and manage the movement of aircraft both on the ground and in the air. This involves the use of flight control surfaces, such as ailerons, rudders, and elevators, as well as electronic systems that help pilots maintain stability, direction, and altitude. In a broader sense, flight control can also refer to the work of air traffic controllers who coordinate aircraft to ensure safe and efficient flight operations. Both the mechanical and operational aspects of flight control are essential for the safety and efficiency of air travel.

What is the difference between Flight Control vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectFlight ControlAir Traffic Controller
CertificationsFAA certifications, pilot licenses, or specialized trainingFAA air traffic control certifications, radar operation training
Work EnvironmentAircraft cockpits, flight decks, or ground control centersControl towers, radar rooms, or en-route centers
Employer & IndustryAirlines, private aviation, military aviationAirports, FAA, military air traffic control
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on piloting and aircraft operationFocuses on managing air traffic and ensuring safety

Flight Control professionals primarily operate aircraft or oversee flight operations, while Air Traffic Controllers manage aircraft movements in airspace and at airports. Both roles require specialized certifications and work in aviation environments, but their responsibilities differ significantly in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Control jobs in Alabama? For Flight Control jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Flight Control job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,039 per year, or $74.5 per hour.
Sentinel - Staff Engineer Guidance Navigation Control - 18798

Sentinel - Staff Engineer Guidance Navigation Control - 18798

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is hiring a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Staff Engineer (level 5) to join its team in Roy UT, Huntsville AL or Manhattan Beach, CA and will support the Sentinel Program. Northrop Grumman supports the Air Force's sustainment, development, production and deployment of hardware and system modifications for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Ground and Airborne Launch Control Systems, Launch Facilities and associated infrastructure.

What you will get to do:

The selected engineer will join the team supporting activities including flight simulator development, GNC algorithm development and implementation, "test as you fly" test development, model verification and validation, and requirements validation.

Specific duties to include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Work in multi-disciplinary teams to develop, verify, and validate a complex 6-degree of freedom missile flight simulator.
  • Design and implement guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) algorithms.
  • Develop software tools for analyzing GN&C performance
  • Conduct system performance assessments for performance against mission requirements.
  • Perform GN&C system and accuracy analysis of flight tests.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science in STEM with 12 years of experience; 10 years of experience with a master's degree; or 8 years with PhD
  • Must be a US Citizen with an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application with an investigation completed within the last 6 years
  • 8 years of experience in guidance, navigation, or control algorithm development and/or analysis for launch vehicles, missiles, spacecraft, and/or aircraft applications
  • 3 years of experience in high level programming languages (MATLAB, C++) and Object-Oriented Programming design

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's or PhD Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • DoD Top Secret Clearance
  • Experience in sensor navigation, including inertial, radio, and/or optical navigation techniques
  • Experience in strategic missile guidance and implementation of guidance algorithms
  • Ability to work in a highly collaborative & dynamic team-based environment
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management
  • Experience in trajectory optimization, non-linear control, and/or adaptive/autonomous flight control systems
  • Experience with optimal state estimation filters (e.g. Kalman)
  • Knowledge of machine learning applications for adaptive flight control
  • Demonstrated proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, Python, and/or other tools for GN&C simulation and development
  • Demonstrated knowledge of aerodynamic modeling, flight mechanics, missile/re-entry vehicle dynamics
  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing, embedded control systems, and real-time software integration
  • Experience in software version control system (i.e. Git) and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:


- Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
- 401k
- Educational Assistance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
- Paid Time Off
- Health & Wellness Resources
- Employee Discounts

This position's standard work schedule is 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

#SentinelSystems

Primary Level Salary Range: $152,900.00 - $265,500.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939