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Flight Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

GNC Aerospace Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

... 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 ...

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators; static and dynamic structural testing) * Lead and mentor development of instrument and data ...

SAIC

GNC Aerospace Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

... 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 ...

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators; static and dynamic structural testing) * Lead and mentor development of instrument and data ...

SAIC

GNC Aerospace Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

... 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 ...

Electra

Simulation Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

This is an early-career role with real ownership - you'll work directly with senior engineers to develop SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and hybrid propulsion, and you'll grow quickly in ...

Electra

Simulation Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

This is an early-career role with real ownership - you'll work directly with senior engineers to develop SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and hybrid propulsion, and you'll grow quickly in ...

Electra Aero, Inc.

Simulation Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

This is an early-career role with real ownership - you'll work directly with senior engineers to develop SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and hybrid propulsion, and you'll grow quickly in ...

BAE Systems

Dir I- Business Dev

Arlington, VA · On-site

$153.38K - $260.74K/yr

With a global portfolio spanning flight controls, actuation systems, mission computers, active ... Collaborate with engineering, program management, operations, finance, strategy, and technology ...

Scout Space

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$127.40K - $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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$20

$81

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How much do flight controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 job?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Flight Controls Engineer position, and why are they important?

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.

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.
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What are popular job titles related to Flight Controls Engineer jobs in VA? For Flight Controls Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Flight Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Controls Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $169,584 per year, or $81.5 per hour.

GNC Engineer (Aerospace Engineer)

Bowhead

King George, VA

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Overview

Bowhead seeks a GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer to support hypersonic research efforts of the NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. This role provides technical expertise across system modeling, simulation, algorithm development, data analysis, and integration activities in support of weapon system development, performance assessment, and mission engineering. The Engineer will directly support government technical leads and collaborate with associated subsystem SMEs to deliver analytical rigor, modeling capability, and engineering insight into guidance, navigation, and control solutions used in government test and evaluation environments.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation filters, and state estimation. Support weapon system modeling and simulation, including 6 DOF (six degrees of freedom) simulation environments and subsystem integration. Perform trajectory analysis, mission performance evaluations, and control system stability assessments. Develop navigation solutions integrating IMUs, GPS, INS, seekers, and other sensor modalities. Conduct Monte Carlo analysis, uncertainty modeling, and system performance sensitivity studies. Implement GNC prototypes in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, or equivalent simulation frameworks. Analyze telemetry, flight test data, and HWIL/SIL outputs to validate system performance. Support requirements decomposition, interface definition, and subsystem integration with E20 system engineering teams. Document models, test results, algorithm behavior, and performance in technical reports and presentations. Participate in technical reviews, design sessions, and engineering working groups with government and contractor personnel.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (Master's preferred). 4+ years experience in GNC engineering, missile guidance, 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 algorithms (proportional navigation, pursuit guidance, optimal guidance, intercept geometry), navigation & estimation, Kalman filtering (EKF/UKF), inertial navigation, GPS/INS integration, sensor fusion, control engineering, PID, LQR, state space control, autopilot design, stability & robustness analysis, M&S (Modeling & Simulation), MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), C/C++ for embedded or real time simulation, and familiarity with 6 DOF modeling. Ability to work with E20 technical SMEs to develop or refine analytical tools, performance models, or algorithmic improvements. Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance (current Secret preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with hardware in the loop (HWIL) or software in the loop (SIL) environments is a plus. Experience supporting missile systems, unmanned systems, or weapons/flight dynamics programs. Experience supporting NSWCDD, NAVSEA, or other DoD weapons engineering divisions. Experience with aerospace flight test data analysis or guidance law verification. Knowledge of seeker modeling, sensor suite integration, or autopilot tuning.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED: Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Secret level.  US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

Physical Demands: Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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