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

As of Jun 21, 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 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.

Do Flight Engineers get paid well?

Flight Engineers typically earn competitive salaries that reflect their specialized technical skills and experience. Their pay can vary based on factors such as airline, years of service, and certifications, with many earning above average wages in the aviation industry.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior flight controls systems engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in aerospace systems can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with leadership roles, specialized skills in avionics, and working for major aerospace or defense companies. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual qualifications.

What does a flight systems engineer do?

A flight controls systems engineer designs, develops, and tests the control systems that manage an aircraft's flight stability and maneuverability. They work with avionics, sensors, and software, often using simulation tools and adhering to safety standards. Their role ensures the aircraft's control systems operate reliably under various conditions.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior flight controls systems engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in aerospace systems can reach salaries around $500,000, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or within leading aerospace companies. Such roles often require specialized skills in control system design, simulation tools, and leadership responsibilities.
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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,051 per year, or $82.2 per hour.
Systems Engineer - Automatic Flight Controls

Systems Engineer - Automatic Flight Controls

Real Time Consulting, LLC

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Job description


REAL TIME CONSULTING (An RTCo Company)-POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Systems Engineer - Automatic Flight Control Systems
ABOUT THE JOB: Join a team that designs, develops, and integrates highly complex avionics systems, to work on Automatic Flight Controls Systems for Business, Regional, and General Aviation platforms, from fixed-wing aircraft, to helicopter, and to future UAM/UAS.
REQUIRED SKILLS:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or technology
  • 2+ years of experience working on flight controls
  • Understanding of the systems development lifecycle
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • Requirement analysis
    • Requirement decomposition
    • Systems design and architecture
    • Model-based systems development
    • Systems integration
    • Systems validation & verification
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Ability to quickly analyze, incorporate, and apply new information and concepts
  • Self-motivated and takes initiative to get things done

PREFERRED SKILLS:
  • Familiarity with ARP-4754A
  • Familiarity with ARP-4761
  • General avionics knowledge and experience
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
  • Real Time Consulting (RTC) exists to partner outstanding engineering talent to support our clients' success. Unsurpassed service is delivered to our clients by upholding responsibility, teamwork and quality. Our primary commitment is to help our clients. Since 1997, RTC has been protecting and enhancing lives with safe, reliable, innovative solutions, providing full life-cycle design, development and testing of EMBEDDED ENGINEERING SYSTEMS and SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS with Program Management and Consulting Services. Our employees average 20+ years of versatile and accomplished expertise to our clients, driving continuous innovation forward. Employee's innovative and analytical ideas are cultivated while maintaining the big picture vision in a fast-paced, changing environment. Our corporate values are to Uphold Responsibility, Support People, Promote Teamwork and Deliver Quality!
  • This position may require exposure to software, source code or technology that is subject to US export control laws and regulations (i.e., International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations). To comply with these requirements, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Departments of State or Commerce, as applicable.
  • RTCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with RTCo is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

  • To qualify for all positions with Real Time Companies, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require now, or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status. Please be aware that Real Time Companies does not sponsor employment-based visas. Additionally, certain positions with Real Time Companies that involve work with government entities may have more restrictive employment status requirements, such as U.S. citizenship, based on security clearance requirements or other governmental requirements. Real Time Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

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