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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.
Staff Flight Controls Engineer

Staff Flight Controls Engineer

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Staff Flight Controls Engineer
Job Summary:
ESAero is seeking an experienced Staff Flight ControlsEngineer with rotorcraft and flight test experience to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The engineer will lead and support the simulation and development of advanced control systems for unique configuration aircraft including multi-propulsor eVTOL and CTOL aircraft at all scales (VTOL sUAS to eVTOL manned platforms, research platforms, CTOL Distributed Electric Propulsion aircraft). This is a multi-functional role that will require candidates to be involved in all phases of design and development of new platforms collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel.
Responsibilities and Duties:
  • Development of complex VTOL flight dynamics simulations with high fidelity rotor dynamics
  • Design, development, and implementation of optimal and adaptive flight controls and guidance laws for reconfigurable aircraft
  • Development of flight test maneuvers for system verification and identification
  • System identification in time a frequency domain

Required Qualifications and Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent.
  • 10+ years of flight controls andsimulation engineering experience.
  • Experience in UAS and manned aircraft design
  • Proven understanding of complex aircraft dynamics (aero, structures, control)
  • Experience simulating non-linear complex aircraft sub-systems and systems
  • Experience with frequency and time domain system analysis
  • Control system simulation, implementation, test, and verification experience
  • Familiarity with implementation of embedded real-time control system
  • Familiarity with system identification of aircraft from flight test
  • Familiarity with FAA and Military standards relating to the control system design for aircraft.
  • Familiarity with Risk Management
  • Fundamental understanding of other disciplines (Aerodynamics, Structures, Electrical Eng., Embedded systems)

Desired Qualifications and Skills:
  • Master's degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent and
  • 15+ years of flight controls andsimulation engineering experience.
  • Experience with non-linear controls and analysis (adaptive control, neural networks, machine learning)
  • Experience with implementation of embedded real-time control systems
  • Experience designing to FAA and Military standards relating to the control system design for aircraft.
  • Experience with system identification of aircraft from flight test
  • Experience with Risk Management

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:
  • Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day off.
  • Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
  • Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
  • Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
  • Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview:
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.
At ESAero, we don't just build products, we engineer solutions that propel
the aerospace industry forward.
**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**
ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participation required for employment.
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Must be able to pass background check and drug test.
Pay Range: $140,000- $175,000 Salary Exempt

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