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How much do flight controls systems engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight controls systems 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Controls Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Flight Controls Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, control systems theory, and experience with system modeling and simulation—typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, DO-178C certification standards, and flight control software development environments is expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of aircraft flight control systems in a highly regulated industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Flight Controls Systems Engineers during the integration and testing phases?

Flight Controls Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring seamless integration of complex hardware and software components, managing tight deadlines, and troubleshooting unexpected system behaviors during testing. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, including avionics, software, and testing engineers, is crucial to resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, engineers must adhere to rigorous safety and certification standards, which requires meticulous documentation and thorough validation of all system functionalities.

What does a Flight Controls Systems Engineer do?

A Flight Controls Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining the systems that control an aircraft's flight, such as autopilot, stability augmentation, and fly-by-wire systems. They work closely with other engineers to ensure these systems are safe, reliable, and comply with aviation regulations. Their work involves simulation, modeling, hardware integration, and troubleshooting to optimize aircraft performance and ensure passenger safety.

What is the difference between Flight Controls Systems Engineer vs Avionics Engineer?

AspectFlight Controls Systems EngineerAvionics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; certifications like FAA or EASA may be preferredBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Aerospace Engineering; similar certifications often required
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test flight control systems in aerospace companies or research labsDesign and integrate avionic systems within aircraft or spacecraft
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace manufacturing, defense, and researchUsed across commercial, military, and general aviation sectors

The Flight Controls Systems Engineer focuses on designing and testing aircraft control systems, while the Avionics Engineer works on broader electronic systems within aircraft. Both roles require similar credentials and often collaborate in aerospace projects, but their specific responsibilities differ based on system specialization.

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Flight Controls Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Controls Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,051 per year, or $82.2 per hour.
Flight Controls Systems Engineer 2

Flight Controls Systems Engineer 2

Garmin International, Inc.

Olathe, KS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Garmin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 137 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Overview
We are seeking a full-time Flight Controls Systems Engineer 2 at Garmin's U.S. headquarters in the Greater Kansas City area. In this role, you will be responsible for designing and developing requirements and conducting bench and flight testing in support of development and certification of moderately complex AFCS products.
Essential Functions
  • Develops systems requirements for moderately complex autopilot/flight director systems including system performance, system interfaces, architecture, and algorithms
  • Analyzes and tests existing systems to determine transport delays and appropriate control system response
  • Conducts verification/validation testing in accordance with formal or informal test plans
  • Conducts frequency response of servos and systems
  • Participates in flight testing when needed to investigate autopilot issues and performance problems
  • Develops and conducts test plans, procedures, and results for bench and flight test validation in support of FAA certification
  • Determines root cause of problems and recommends design changes
  • Performs regression testing as needed
  • Develops AFCS system wiring
  • Serves as a mentor to less experienced Flight Controls Systems Engineer (Flight Controls Systems Engineer 1)
  • Applies Garmin's Mission Statement and Quality Policy and enthusiastically exhibits a desire to see Garmin succeed
  • Participates in recruiting and mentoring new associates who will participate in AFCS R&D efforts

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering or related degree with an emphasis in dynamics and controls or similar field of study AND a minimum of 1 year relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
  • Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
  • Must demonstrate sound educational background in classical control system theory and ability to apply principles of root locus, Bode and Nicols to flight controls systems design
  • Demonstrated knowledge of digital control system theory, sampling theory and digital filtering
  • Working knowledge of MATLAB, Simulink, and Control System toolbox
  • Demonstrates software development understanding of C programming language
  • Demonstrates fundamental knowledge of embedded microprocessor applications and electromechanical components
  • Must be detail-oriented and have the ability to work proactively and effectively with minimal supervision
  • Ability to prioritize and multi-task in a flexible, fast paced and challenging environment
  • Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Desired Qualifications
  • Outstanding academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.5)
  • Experience in flight control design, including autopilots, flight directors, or stability augmentation systems
  • Experience and/or education with MATLAB or Simulink design tools
  • Software development experience including understanding of DO-178 C software requirements
  • Pilot's License

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits

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