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Flight Control Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Our long-term client relationship with NASA has led to a need for a Human Landing System (HLS) Flight Control Simulation Engineer with a JETS II teammate company, Aerodyne Industries. This position ...

Our long-term client relationship with NASA has led to a need for a Human Landing System (HLS) Flight Control Simulation Engineer with a JETS II teammate company, Aerodyne Industries. This position ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Control information

See Texas salary details

$19

$76

$98

How much do flight control jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight control in Texas is $76.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72.12 and $84.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight controller?

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 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 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.

How do I become a flight control?

To become a flight controller, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in aviation, air traffic management, or a related field. They must complete specialized training provided by aviation authorities and obtain certification, such as from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or equivalent agencies. Strong communication, decision-making skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential in this role.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Flight Control jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Flight Control job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Control job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,360 per year, or $76.6 per hour.

Senior Staff Engineer, Flight Controls - X-BAT (R4812)

Shield AI

Fort Worth, TX โ€ข On-site

$220 - $340/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Description

In this role, you will own the flight control system for XBAT, with responsibility for delivering stable, predictable, and operationally robust performance across all phases of flight, including vertical takeoff, hover, transition out-bound, wing-borne flight, transition in-bound, and precision recovery.

What youโ€™ll do
  • Design and deliver the flight control system across all phases of flight including control allocation strategies that manage actuator redundancy, saturation, and degraded operations.
  • Lead development of high-fidelity 6DOF simulation environments and ensure accurate preโ€‘flight performance predictions.
  • Define and execute the verification strategy, including linear analysis, Monte Carlo campaigns, disturbance/sensitivity/degraded operation testing, and HIL validation.
  • Diagnose and resolve simulationโ€‘toโ€‘flight mismatches, including unidentified dynamics and modeling gaps.
  • Support flight test operations, making riskโ€‘informed decisions and driving rapid iteration between flights.
  • Integrate control systems with propulsion, aero, actuation, sensors, state estimation, and autonomy, ensuring the vehicle behaves predictably under realโ€‘world disturbances and uncertainties.
  • Mentor and guide engineers while setting the technical standard for control system performance and rigor.
Required qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience in flight controls / GNC on real flight vehicles, with demonstrated ownership from design through flight test.
  • Demonstrated experience with control allocation design and implementation for overโ€‘actuated systems with provisions for saturation and failure accommodation.
  • Strong background in:
    • Flight dynamics and 6DOF simulation.
    • Control theory and nonlinear systems.
  • Experience executing full V&V cycles, including preโ€‘flight performance prediction, Monte Carlo analysis, flight readiness assessment, and postโ€‘flight analysis.
  • Proficiency in C++, MATLAB/Simulink, and/or Python, with experience deploying realโ€‘time algorithms.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Preferred qualifications
  • VTOL or transition aircraft experience where control blending and allocation were critical to success.
  • Autonomous systems or missile/UAV GNC background.
  • Experience with flight safety, airworthiness, and mission assurance.
  • Familiarity with:
    • Sensor and air data systems.
    • Faultโ€‘tolerant or adaptive control.
    • CI/CD pipelines and modern DevSecOps practices.
  • Experience with HIL or integrated simulation/test environments and Linuxโ€‘based development workflows (Git, etc.).
  • Experience operating in rapid development environments with tight iteration loops between simulation and test.

$220,000 - $340,000 a year

Fullโ€‘time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity.

Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment).

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

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