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Flight Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Flight Control Specialist will coordinate Aircraft and Crew schedules to fulfill Shareowner, Charter, and Sales prospect trips effectively and efficiently. The individual must develop strong ...

The Flight Control Specialist will coordinate Aircraft and Crew schedules to fulfill Shareowner, Charter, and Sales prospect trips effectively and efficiently. The individual must develop strong ...

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Flight Control information

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$21

$82

$105

How much do flight control jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight control 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 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 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 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.

More about Flight Control jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Control jobs? Cities with the most Flight Control job openings:
What states have the most Flight Control jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Control jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Control job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% 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

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

Posted 24 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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