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Flight Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ag

Manager, Flight Controls & Software

Bingen, WA

As the Senior Manager of Flight Controls & Software for the Airbus Flexrotor program, you will ... Partner with systems engineering to ensure requirements traceability and architecture consistency.

Airbus

Manager, Flight Controls & Software

Bingen, WA · On-site

As the Senior Manager of Flight Controls & Software for the Airbus Flexrotor program, you will ... Partner with systems engineering to ensure requirements traceability and architecture consistency.

Altaeros

Senior Controls Engineer

Fremont, NH · On-site

$140K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description Altaeros seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to join the Controls Engineering Team and guide the autonomous flight controls and automated dispatch development for the ...

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How much do flight controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 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 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.

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Flight Controls Engineer jobs near you

Guidance Navigation Controls (GNC) Engineer III/IV

Zone 5 Technologies

Fort Walton Beach, FL • On-site

$158K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.
We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.
We are currently looking for a GNC Engineer III/IV to join our software and flight test group in San Luis Obispo, CA. In this role, you'll play a crucial part in designing, analyzing, and building flight controls software for UAS. You will work closely with the engineering team to develop new software components, build models in Matlab/Simulink, run high-fidelity SW and HW in the loop simulations, and generate auto-code for embedded systems. Peer review and effective communication across disciplines are critical to improving the design cycle.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, analyze, and build flight controls software for groups 1 to 4 UAS
  • Develop software components for deployment to flight test
  • Create and modify software modules in the Zone 5 avionics suite
  • Perform controls analysis to assess stability and performance
  • Run high-fidelity SW and HW in the loop simulations
  • Generate auto-code for embedded systems
  • Design ground tests to verify the function of new features
  • Support integration and test of aircraft for flight test
  • Conduct peer reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in flight controls engineering for UAS
  • Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in aerospace engineering or related field
  • Experience with Group 1-4 UAS flight controls software design
  • Knowledge of embedded systems and auto-code generation
  • Ability to mentor and train junior engineers

Pay Range by Level for Fort Walton Beach, FL:
Level III - $131,000 - $158,000
Level IV - $158,000 - $188,000
#LI-AW1
Pay range for this role
$131,000-$188,000 USD
What's in it for you:
Benefits:
  • Competitive total compensation package
  • Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
  • 401k with company-match
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
  • Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

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