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Flight Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$135K - $165K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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 +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 ...

Electra

Staff / Senior Mechanical Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$104K - $138K/yr

This role involves hands-on engineering work across system architecture, design, integration ... flight controls * Experience with system integration, ground testing, and flight test support

Electra

Staff/ Senior Avionics Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

... flight controls, and structures-to ensure seamless integration of avionics systems across the ... The role requires a hands-on engineering approach, contributing to design, integration, testing ...

Electra

Systems Test Manager

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$150K - $180K/yr

SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators; static and dynamic structural testing) * Serve as the primary contact for all ground testing and ...

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Flight Controls Engineer information

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How much do flight controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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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For Flight Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Flight Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Controls Engineer job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $169,584 per year, or $81.5 per hour.

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA • Hybrid

Electra
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Electraexternal

$135K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 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

As our Principal Systems Test Engineer, you'll be the technical lead driving development of Electra's ground test infrastructure and instrumentation capability. This is a hands-on leadership role - you'll mentor junior engineers, own the architecture of our simulation labs, and build the data management and automated test processes that engineering depends on to move the EL9 toward certification.

What You'll Do

  • Lead and mentor development of software and hardware in the loop simulation labs. (ex. hybrid propulsion copper bird; 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 acquisition capabilities for ground and flight test.
  • Lead and mentor data management of all testing for use by engineering.
  • Build automated test processes requiring custom interfaces amongst disparate RTOS system models and hardware.
  • Serve as a key contact for all ground testing and instrumentation with internal customer organizations.

What You'll Bring

  • Bachelor's in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience. (aerospace/electrical/mechanical preferred)
  • 10+ years experience in systems ground tests and instrumentation. Preferably experience with test and evaluation at an aircraft manufacturer.
  • CAA (FAA/EASA) aircraft certification experience preferred
  • U.S. Person 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.