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Flight Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

* Flight Control Laws (CLaws) development experience for FBW aircraft * Strong expertise in aircraft flight dynamics, aerodynamics, and handling qualities * Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C ...

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Flight Control information

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How much do flight control jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 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.

How much money does a flight controller make?

A flight controller's salary varies by experience, location, and employer, but the median annual wage in the aviation industry typically ranges from $60,000 to $130,000. Entry-level controllers earn around $60,000, while experienced professionals with certifications can earn over $100,000 annually. The job requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and often involves shift work in a high-pressure environment.

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 jobs make 10,000 a month without a degree?

In flight control or related aviation roles, high-paying positions such as private jet charter pilots or experienced air traffic controllers can earn around $10,000 or more per month, often requiring specialized training, certifications, and significant experience. Other high-earning jobs without a degree include sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like commercial pilots, which rely on experience, licensing, and skills rather than formal degrees.

How do you become a flight controller?

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 pass certification exams, gaining skills in radar operation, communication, and decision-making. Experience in aviation or related fields can also be beneficial.

Did air traffic controllers get paid $10,000?

Air traffic controllers typically earn salaries well above $10,000 per month, with entry-level positions starting around $50,000 annually and experienced controllers earning over $130,000 annually. Their compensation depends on experience, location, and shift differentials, and they often require specialized training and certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,051 per year, or $82.2 per hour.

Business Development - UAS (Flight Control & Autonomy)

STI

Los Angeles, CA

$150K - $185K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Systems Technology Inc. (STI) is a private, 100% employee-owned (ESOP) engineering consulting and product development company with a 60+ year legacy of delivering safety critical solutions to government and commercial customers. We combine the agility and culture of a startup with the stability and credibility of a longstanding aerospace innovator. Our growth plans are ambitious, and every employee plays a direct role in shaping our future. 

At STI, we look for true business partners-people who value transparency, collaboration, technical excellence, ownership, and accountability. If you enjoy solving complex, real-world problems and want your work to have visible impact, you will thrive here. 


What You'll Do:

We are seeking a Business Development - UAS leader to drive growth specifically in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with a focus on flight control systems, autopilots, guidance, navigation, and autonomy-enabled products. This role is not a general aerospace business development position-it is tightly focused on building funded development programs and scalable commercial products around STI's core flight control and autonomy capabilities. We expect this role to include a significant amount of government relations. Candidates with a strong background in government interactions are strongly preferred.

Success in this role is defined by the ability to convert early technical engagements and SBIR-funded efforts into sustained government and commercial programs, including Phase III contracts, follow-on development, and productized offerings.

Key Responsibilities

  • Drive new UAS business centered on flight control, autopilot, and autonomy software and hardware development.
  • Lead the transition of existing SBIR/STTR-funded autonomy and flight control technologies into Phase III and non-SBIR contract vehicles, including sole-source awards, IDIQs, OTAs, BOAs, and FAR-based contracts.
  • Identify and pursue commercial product, licensing, and recurring revenue opportunities for UAS flight control and autonomy solutions.
  • Identify key strategic and ecosystem partners to facilitate our go-to-market strategy.
  • Shape customer requirements and concepts of operations into executable development programs and product roadmaps.
  • Responsible for developing and maintaining sales pipeline for products and service offerings relating to flight control and autonomy solutions, demonstrating pipeline growth and conversions.
  • Build and maintain relationships with DoD program offices, autonomy leads, primes, integrators, and commercial UAS manufacturers.
  • Lead capture activities, including solution shaping, teaming strategy, pricing inputs, and proposal development.
  • Partner closely with STI technical leadership to ensure development efforts are aligned with productization, scalability, and long-term reuse.
  • Represent STI at UAS-focused conferences, industry days, and technical forums.

What you Need:

  • 5+ years of business development, capture, or program growth experience in UAS, defense, or aerospace markets.
  • Existing contacts and relationships with government staff including program officers who can engage with STI on R&D and technology transfer projects. 
  • Demonstrated success transitioning early-stage development efforts (including SBIR/STTR) into Phase III, follow-on, or non-SBIR contract vehicles.
  • Proven ability to drive funded development programs and commercial product opportunities through customer engagement, capture strategy, and contracting execution.
  • Strong customer-facing skills, including executive-level briefings, relationship management, and negotiation.
  • Experience working with DoD program offices, primes, integrators, and/or commercial UAS manufacturers.
  • Ability to partner effectively with highly technical engineering teams without requiring hands-on technical expertise.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Active Secret security clearance (minimum).

Bonus Qualifications:

  • Pilot, instructor, or operational aviation experience.
  • Experience in UAS, optionally piloted vehicles, eVTOL, AAM, or UAM markets.
  • Experience working with small, growthoriented, employeeowned companies.
  • Desire to contribute directly to aggressive growth targets and longterm company value creation.

Compensation And Benefits:
Systems Technology Inc. offers all employees competitive pay along with a benefits package encompassing the following and more:

STI offers a competitive, performance-aligned total rewards package designed to drive long-term growth and accountability:

  • Base Salary: $150,000 - $185,000 (negotiable based on experience)
  • Variable Compensation: Performance-based incentives and/or commission tied directly to transitioned non-SBIR government contracts (e.g., Phase III, IDIQ task orders, sole-source awards) and commercial UAS product revenue. SBIR Phase I/II awards alone are not considered success metrics.
  • Total On-Target Earnings (OTE): $190,000 - $240,000+, with upside driven by transitioned revenue and product commercialization.
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • 401(k) Safe Harbor plan with company contribution
  • Medical (HMO - 100% company paid for employees and dependents)
  • Dental and vision coverage
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care
  • Life and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Fitness reimbursement and technology stipends
  • Tuition assistance programs
  • Year-round company-sponsored events and recognition programs

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.
It is expected that this position will include domestic travel up to 30% and possible international travel. If this position is filled by a fully remote employee, proposed travel will include regular visits to the STI main facility located in Hawthorne, CA.
To conform to U.S. Government aerospace technology export regulations (ITAR and EAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Therefore, candidates will need to qualify as a US Person which is defined as a US Citizen, a Permanent Resident who does not work for a foreign company/foreign government/foreign governmental agency or organization, or a political asylee in compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations and DOD requirements.
At Systems Technology Inc. (STI) we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possesses the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $150,000 - $185,000 negotiable. Our compensation packages will also include a sales commission, performance bonus, ESOP (Employee owned company) and 401k contribution. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
STI is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

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