ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Airshare

Flight Controller - Managed Fleet

Shelton, CT · On-site

Exercise Operational Control of all flight activity; ensure that all appropriate Company and regulatory requirements are met for each flight before trip authorization * Ensure the safety and legality ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsFlight Control Jobs

Flight Control information

See salary details

$21

$82

$105

How much do flight control jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 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:
What job categories do people searching Flight Control jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Control jobs are:
Flight Control jobs near you
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.
AD&D Systems Engineer - Advanced Flight Controls Staff

AD&D Systems Engineer - Advanced Flight Controls Staff

Cirrus Aircraft

Duluth, MN • On-site

$117.78K - $176.67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Cirrus Aircraft rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 59 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary

The AD&D Systems Engineer - Advanced Flight Controls Staff is a visionary and hands-on engineer responsible for the early-stage development of new and innovative advanced flight control systems within the Cirrus Advanced Design and Development (AD&D) department.  This position will own the initial phases of advanced flight control systems development — from initial ideation through, requirements capture, technology maturation, developmental testing/simulation, conceptual design, and well into requirements validation to ensure a robust solution is delivered to Product Development.

This role is a key part of a small, agile team at the intersection of multiple disciplines, collaborating with avionics, electrical, mechanical, powerplant, software, flight physics, flight test, manufacturing, and certification teams to ensure fully integrated, highperforming, safe, and compliant flight control systems.  The AD&D Systems Engineer – Advanced Flight Controls Staff thrives in a fastpaced environment, navigates ambiguity with confidence, and brings forwardthinking energy to solving complex systemlevel challenges that push the status quo, all while ensuring a safe and high-quality product for our customers.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions

  • Guide and provide technical ownership of advanced flight control systems from initial ideation through conceptual design and into practical product paths, including but not limited to primary flight control, automatic flight control, lift/drag augmentation, engine control, actuation, flight sensors, signal processing, and navigation.
  • Engineer and refine requirements and objectives through stakeholder engagement and iterative experimentation.
  • Develop, review, and manage system level requirements across functional, performance, safety, human factors, environmental, operational, regulatory and service domains.
  • Create and manage development plans focused on early-stage exploration, requirements capture, and concept validation.
  • Conduct trade studies, analyses, and verification activities to validate architectures and design choices.
  • Generate and test hypotheses through hands-on prototyping, simulation, and evaluation, with minimal supervision.
  • Drive system maturation efforts, including lab testing, flight testing, supplier engagement, and integration activities.
  • Lead and participate in multi-disciplinary design reviews throughout early development phases.
  • Conduct early phase system safety and system development assurance activities (FHA, PSSA, FMEAs, requirements reviews, requirements validation, etc.)
  • Generate engineering data and documentation, including but not limited to design notes, schematics, models, drawings, specifications, test plans, and reports.
  • Translate verbal direction and vision into actionable design objectives and development strategies.
  • Collaborate directly with pilots, mechanics, and experimental technicians, as well as external stakeholders such as Product Development, Certification, and Production teams.
  • Make quick, sound engineering decisions with limited data.
  • Foster a culture of rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration, learning from both success and failure.
  • Support early phases of certification projects, including interfacing with civil aviation authorities and ODA members.
  • Communicate complex ideas effectively and efficiently to diverse audiences.
  • Travel up to 25% may be required.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or related STEM discipline); Master’s degree preferred.
  • 7+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, or advanced product development.
  • Broad technical skillset related to aircraft, with strong understanding of advanced flight control systems and supporting systems.
  • Previous early product development experience – from a clean sheet to working prototypes.
  • Proven track record of producing results when developing new designs or products.
  • Willingness to take smart risks, accept accountability, and fix mistakes.
  • Intrinsic motivation to drive progress - to explore, challenge, and innovate – and to minimize administrative overhead along the way.
  • Experienced in iterative development cycles, with a strong ability to identify non-viable solutions early and reorient technical strategy quickly.
  • Strong hands-on skills in prototyping, simulation, and testing, and comfortable operating under tight deadlines with minimal direction and in a shop or lab environment.
  • Proficient in creating engineering design definition - 3D models, 2D drawings, sketches, logic diagrams, schematics, and engineering specifications.
  • Working knowledge of system development and safety standards such as AC 23.1309 1E, SAE ARP4754A, SAE ARP4761.
  • Familiarity with RTCA/DO-160 environmental qualification.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and technical writing skills.
  • Knowledge of FAA regulations, guidance materials, and aircraft certification processes.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous aircraft development program experience, from early concepts to entry into service.
  • Previous experience leading Integrated Product Teams or similar technical teams.
  • Experience defining system interfaces, control logic, crew indications, and flight manual procedures.
  • Experience developing and managing complex requirement sets.
  • Prior involvement in system or aircraft level design reviews for highly integrated systems.
  • Familiarity with electro-mechanical equipment, embedded software, and avionics.
  • Private pilot certificate or personal aviation experience.
  • Hands on test experience including instrumentation, data acquisition, and test execution.
  • Familiarity with PTC products (e.g. CREO, Windchill)
  • Familiarity with Mathworks products (e.g. Matlab, Simulink)
  • Familiarity with Atlassian products (e.g. Jira, Confluence)
  • Proficient in at least one coding language.
  • Experience with FAA certification processes and standards (e.g. Part 23, Part 27, Advisory Circulars, Industry Consensus Standards).
  • Experience representing systems in industry working groups or standards development.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite
  • Bonus points if your weekends involve flying, plane spotting, or building RC aircraft.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

  • Strategic Thinking & Decision Making
  • Risk & Opportunity Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
  • Resiliency & Adaptability

 Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required. 

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including: 

  • 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting after one year of employment.
  • Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
  • Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
  • Generous PTO: 120+ hours accrued within the first year.
  • Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
  • Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
  • Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
  • Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.

What Cirrus Aircraft employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply