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Flight Controls Engineer Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Controls Engineer information

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How much do flight controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight controls engineer in Dallas, TX is $81.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76.59 and $89.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Flight Controls Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX? The most popular types of Flight Controls Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Controls Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX? For Flight Controls Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Dallas, TX are hiring for Flight Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Dallas, TX with the most Flight Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Controls Engineer job openings in Dallas, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $169,209 per year, or $81.4 per hour.
Guidance Navigation Controls (GNC) Engineer V/VI

Guidance Navigation Controls (GNC) Engineer V/VI

Zone 5 Technologies

Fort Worth, TX

$188K - $216K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

The GNC Engineer V/VI is a senior-level individual contributor role responsible for leading the design, development, and optimization of advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for UAS. This position involves driving innovation in flight controls software, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating across disciplines to deliver cutting-edge UAS technologies. Engineers in this role will contribute to strategic initiatives, ensure high performance in flight control systems, and lead efforts from concept to flight testing.

Responsibilities:

  • Technical Leadership: Lead the design, analysis, and development of flight controls software for Group 1 to 4 UAS.

  • Software Development: Architect and implement advanced software components for deployment to flight tests.

  • Simulation Expertise: Oversee the creation and execution of high-fidelity SWIL and HWIL simulations to validate system performance.

  • Advanced Modeling: Develop and refine complex models in Matlab/Simulink, ensuring accuracy and performance optimization.

  • Controls Analysis: Perform advanced stability and performance analyses, providing guidance on control system optimization.

  • Mentorship: Mentor and train junior engineers, fostering technical growth and team collaboration.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Drive effective communication and alignment across engineering disciplines to meet project objectives.

  • Innovation and R&D: Lead research initiatives in advanced flight control methodologies, embedded systems, and auto-code generation.

  • Documentation and Review: Produce comprehensive technical documentation and lead peer review processes to ensure quality and compliance.

Qualifications:

  • Education: Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in flight controls engineering, with at least 5 years in UAS applications.

  • Skills:

    • Expertise in Matlab/Simulink and auto-code generation for embedded systems.

    • Advanced knowledge of control theory, flight dynamics, and embedded systems.

    • Experienced in state estimation and Kalman filtering.
    • Proven ability to run and analyze SWIL and HWIL simulations.

    • Strong leadership and project management skills.

    • Effective communication and collaboration skills.

    • Familiarity with Group 1-4 UAS flight controls and avionics suites.

  • Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

    • Knowledge of advanced control techniques and optimization algorithms.

    • History of contributing to successful flight test programs and R&D projects.

Pay Range by Level - 

Level V - $188,000 - $216,000

Level VI - $216,000 - $250,000

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