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Flight Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Flight Controls Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

GA-ASI has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer Production Programs to support our Flight Technologies group in in San Diego (Poway), CA. The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC ...

General Atomics

Flight Controls Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

GA-ASI has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer Production Programs to support our Flight Technologies group in in San Diego (Poway), CA. The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC ...

General Atomics

Flight Controls Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

GA-ASI has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer Production Programs to support our Flight Technologies group in in San Diego (Poway), CA. The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC ...

Electra

Principal Flight Controls Engineer

Manassas, VA

$135K - $165K/yr

The Role Electra.aero is seeking a Principal Flight Controls Engineer to serve as a senior technical authority and flight controls certification subject-matter expert for the EL9 Ultra Short Takeoff ...

General Atomics

Flight Controls Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

We have an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer in the San Diego (Poway, CA) area. In this position, you will play an active role in the design and development of flight controls for ...

General Atomics

Flight Controls Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

We have an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer in San Diego, CA (Poway, CA) to join our Flight Technologies department. The department seeks guidance, navigation, and flight control ...

General Atomics

Flight Controls Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

We have an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer in the San Diego (Poway, CA) area. In this position, you will play an active role in the design and development of cutting-edge next ...

General Atomics

Flight Controls Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advanced Programs Flight Controls Engineer in the San Diego (Poway, CA) area. In this position, you will play an active role in the design and development of ...

Sapsol Technologies Inc

Flight Controls Engineer

Strong expertise in aircraft flight dynamics, aerodynamics, and handling qualities * Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C++ programming * Experience with control systems design (Classical, Modern ...

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How much do flight controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight controls engineer 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 is a flight controls engineer?

A Flight Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing flight control systems that manage an aircraft's behavior in flight. This includes working on software, hardware, and control laws to ensure stability, performance, and safety. They collaborate with aerospace engineers, pilots, and regulatory agencies to meet industry standards. Their role often involves simulation, modeling, and real-world testing to refine control systems.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a flight controls engineer?

Flight Controls Engineers spend their days developing, testing, and refining control systems that manage an aircraft’s stability and response. They often work closely with multidisciplinary teams including software developers, test pilots, and systems engineers to design algorithms and validate performance both in simulation and on real hardware. Regular tasks may include modeling flight dynamics, analyzing data from test flights, troubleshooting system anomalies, and preparing technical documentation. This role requires a high level of attention to detail and collaboration to ensure that flight control systems meet stringent safety and reliability standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight controls engineer?

To thrive as a Flight Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, control systems theory, and experience with flight dynamics modeling, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink, control law development tools, and industry certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license or familiarity with DO-178C/DO-254 standards is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help distinguish high performers in collaborative aviation environments. These skills are essential to ensure the safe, reliable design and integration of advanced flight control systems in modern aircraft.

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Flight Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,051 per year, or $82.2 per hour.

Flight Controls Engineer

General Atomics

Poway, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
GA-ASI has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer Production Programs to support our Flight Technologies group in in San Diego (Poway), CA. The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) engineer will focus on flight controls and support world class production Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) programs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform GNC-related tasks for varying levels of aircraft modifications, including requirements development, software integration and validation, simulation analysis to support airworthiness risk assessment, flight test planning, and analysis of flight data.
  • Evaluate the impact to Flight Controls from system changes, such as new external payloads and software updates, utilizing linear and non-linear analyses, piloted simulation, SIL/HIL testing, and ground/flight testing.
  • Ensure new developments comply with system requirements, legacy system performance, and follow industry best practices.
  • Troubleshoot flight control anomalies experienced in fielded systems via flight data analysis and simulation, correlating with flight software operation and generating flight software corrective actions.
  • Analyze the aerodynamic characteristics of existing aircraft to ensure current flying qualities performance is maintained.
  • Comfortable interacting with disciplines closely related to Flight Controls, such as Aerodynamics, Structures, Test Engineers, and Systems Engineers.
  • Occasional travel to flight test facilities to support ground and flight test activities.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors or masters degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelors degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Degree in aerospace/aeronautical, electrical, mechanical, or related engineering field is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrates a growing technical understanding and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
  • Above-average documentation and communication skills.
  • Coding in C or C++ programming language.
  • MATLAB scripting.
  • Must be customer focused and able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance is required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with unmanned air vehicles.
  • Simulink model programming.
  • Automatic code generation using MathWorks' toolset.
  • Coding in Python programming language.

What General Atomics employees say

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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