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Flight Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Electra

Principal Flight Controls Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$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 ...

Estes Aerospace

Flight Controls Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

... engineers who want to close the loop -- not just model a system, but actually fly it. There's nothing quite like that first flight test. Estes Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes ...

Estes Aerospace

Flight Controls Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

... engineers who want to close the loop -- not just model a system, but actually fly it. There's nothing quite like that first flight test. Estes Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes ...

Electra

Engineering Manager - Control Laws

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$153K - $185K/yr

Engineering Manager - Control Laws About Electra At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine ... This role requires deep expertise in flight controls and control theory as well as strong ...

SAIC

GNC Aerospace Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

$120K - $160K/yr

... flight controls, or related system modeling * Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and at least one programming language (Python or C/C++) * The successful candidate shall have experience with guidance ...

Scout Space

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$127K - $168K/yr

As a Senior Flight Software Engineer , you will lead the development of Scout's flight software ... S. export controls. Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race ...

Scout Space

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

As a Senior Flight Software Engineer , you will lead the development of Scout's flight software ... S. export controls. Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race ...

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How much do flight controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight controls engineer in Virginia is $81.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76.73 and $90.10 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 Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $169,584 per year, or $81.5 per hour.

Principal Flight Controls Engineer

Electra

Manassas, VA • On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 — a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage — and this role is no exception.

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 and Landing aircraft. This role works in close partnership with the Flight Controls System IPT Lead, providing deep expertise in certification, safety, and verification to support system development from detailed design through certification and entry into service.

What You'll Do

  • Act as the flight controls certification focal for the EL9 program, owning the functional certification approach.
  • Lead development and maintenance of the flight controls functional certification plan.
  • Translate regulatory requirements and system safety assessments into certifiable flight control functions.
  • Provide technical oversight for verification planning and execution across: analysis and simulation, SIL/HIL, ground and flight test.
  • Partner with the Flight Controls IPT Lead to support system architecture decisions and assess certification impacts of design changes.
  • Support system safety activities, including FHA, PSSA, and SSA alignment.
  • Interface with certification authorities and support technical discussions, reviews, and issue resolution.
  • Mentor flight controls engineers in certification, verification, and systems thinking.
  • Coordinate across disciplines including systems engineering, safety, software, propulsion, and flight test.
  • Support certification closure and entry-into-service readiness.

What You Bring

  • B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or related STEM discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in flight controls or related aerospace systems development.
  • Experience supporting aircraft certification and verification activities on safety-critical systems.
  • Strong understanding of aircraft flight control systems and architectures.
  • Demonstrated experience with certification planning and compliance for aerospace systems.
  • Ability to operate as a technical authority and in-house subject-matter expert.
  • Excellent communication skills, including authority-facing technical discussions.
  • Experience with MATLAB / Simulink-based control development and verification environments.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively across IPTs and disciplines.

Bonus Points

  • Advanced degree preferred.
  • Experience with fly-by-wire aircraft from development through certification.
  • Experience with system-level verification and integration testing.
  • Familiarity with eSTOL, powered-lift, or novel aircraft configurations.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), certification procedures, and industry standards.
  • Prior experience acting as a certification focal or technical lead.
  • US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.
  • Licensed Pilot preferred.

This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Compensation Range
$135,000—$165,000 USD

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
  • Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
  • Paid winter break
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting
  • Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
  • Free on-site parking

Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.