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Flight Controller Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Arcfield

Flight Software Engineer III

Louisville, CO · On-site

$60 - $80.75/hr

Flight Software Engineer III leads the development, integration, and maintenance for complex ground ... Experience with space processing architecture encompassing micro-controllers, processors, system-on ...

Industrious Ventures

Lead Mission Director

Golden, CO · On-site

$130 - $170/hr

... controlling all the activities of a multi-displine, integrated team. The LTV Mission Director role ... Lead a flight operations team and make decisions regarding the safety and success of human ...

Lux Aeterna

Senior Mission Operations Manager

Denver, CO · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

This role will include travel to vendor sites, partner facilities, the launch site, and the recovery zone in the run-up to and during flight. Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled ...

Lunar Outpost

Lead Mission Director

Arvada, CO · On-site

... controlling all the activities of a multi-discipline, integrated team. The LTV Mission Director ... Lead a flight operations team and make decisions regarding the safety and success of human ...

Lunar Outpost, Inc.

Lead Mission Director

Arvada, CO · On-site

$187K - $235K/yr

... controlling all the activities of a multi-discipline, integrated team. The LTV Mission Director ... Lead a flight operations team and make decisions regarding the safety and success of human ...

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Flight Controller information

See Colorado salary details

$57.8K

$125.7K

$184.5K

How much do flight controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight controller in Colorado is $125,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight controller?

Flight controllers are highly trained professionals who monitor and manage the operations of spacecraft from mission control centers on Earth. They are responsible for tracking the spacecraft's systems, solving technical problems, and ensuring the safety and success of the mission. Flight controllers work closely with astronauts, engineers, and other specialists to make real-time decisions during space missions. Their roles can vary, including positions like guidance, navigation, communications, and life support monitoring. The job requires excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform under pressure.

What are the main responsibilities of a flight controller during a live mission, and how do they coordinate with other teams?

During a live mission, Flight Controllers are responsible for monitoring specific spacecraft systems or mission phases, analyzing data in real time, and making rapid decisions to ensure mission safety and success. They work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and communicate constantly with other controllers and the Flight Director to troubleshoot issues and implement procedures. Collaboration is key, as each controller relies on input from colleagues specializing in propulsion, navigation, communications, and other areas to maintain situational awareness and respond effectively to unexpected events.

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 systems, simulation software, and real-time data monitoring tools is essential. Exceptional problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure safe and efficient mission operations, quick decision-making, and effective teamwork in high-stakes environments.

What is the difference between Flight Controller vs Drone Pilot?

AspectFlight ControllerDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107, Remote Pilot CertificateFAA Part 107, Remote Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentOnboard drone, embedded systemOperating drone remotely, in various locations
Industry UsageAutonomous flight, UAV systemsCommercial, recreational drone operation
Primary RoleControl drone's flight systemOperate drone during missions

While a Flight Controller manages the drone's onboard systems and autonomous flight functions, a Drone Pilot actively operates the drone remotely. Both roles often require similar certifications and work within the UAV industry, but their responsibilities differ: one focuses on system management, the other on piloting the drone during missions.

Are flight controllers getting paid?

Flight controllers are typically paid salaries or hourly wages, with compensation varying based on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often require specialized training and certifications, and their pay can include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

How do I become a flight controller?

To become a flight controller, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in aviation, aerospace, or a related field, along with relevant experience in air traffic control or aviation operations. Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or equivalent authority is often required, and strong communication, decision-making, and multitasking skills are essential. Training programs and on-the-job experience are also important for career advancement in this role.

How much money does a flight controller make?

A flight controller's salary varies depending on experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $120,000 annually. Experienced controllers working in high-pressure environments or with specialized certifications can earn higher wages, and many work shifts that include nights and weekends.

Is it difficult to get hired as a flight controller?

Getting hired as a flight controller can be competitive, as it requires specialized training, certifications, and often experience in aviation or air traffic management. Candidates typically need to pass rigorous assessments, background checks, and demonstrate strong decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Controller jobs in Colorado?

For Flight Controller jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Controller jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Controller jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Flight Controller jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Flight Controller job openings:

Flight Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Controller job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $125,653 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Principal Flight Software Architect

Arcfield

Louisville, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities
Overview
Principal Flight Software Architect serves in the Orion Space Systems principal engineer office, reporting directly to the Senior Director of Engineering. This crucial role is responsible for all aspects of software design excellence at Orion Space Systems, on complex spacecraft and payload products.
Key Responsibilities
  • Architecture development of complex flight and ground software designs for all missions and products. You will have architecture responsibility and technical authority required.
  • Development of complex applications and algorithms for embedded processing systems utilizing latest processing architectures: micro-controllers, processors, graphic processing units (GPU) and system-on-chip devices (SoC), for spacecraft and payload applications.
  • You will lead design for excellence methods and processes utilizing the latest tools and industry standards. You will lead day to day architecture and code development, design artifact development, code reviews and code. management. You will work with the senior director to develop design assurance methods and processes, while balancing technical excellence, cost and schedule targets.
  • You will lead internal and external design reviews ensuring technical, team and design artifact excellence. You will lead and present complex technical topics to the diverse customer community.

Qualifications
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant engineering or computation field plus 16-18 years, MS plus 14+ years, or PhD plus 10+ years of professional experience in software engineering development positions for high-reliability space and aerospace applications.
  • Extensive experience with space processing architecture encompassing micro-controllers, processors, system-on-chip and graphic processing unit devices.
  • Deep knowledge of embedded systems, operating systems, RTOS and programming languages (C/C++).
  • Experience supporting programs and products through all phases of development - from requirements derivation and development to sustainment.

Preferred
  • Experience developing and implementing architectures for variety of customers: DoW (national defense), NASA (civil space) and commercial customers.

Equal Pay Act
This is the projected compensation range for this position. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories. In addition, Arcfield invests in its employees beyond just compensation. Arcfield 's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections. Min: $152,624.06 Max: $265,383.63
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.

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