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Flight Controls Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Sr Systems Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Position: Sr Systems Engineer Duration: 11/21/2016 to 05/20/2017 Location: Phoenix, AZ The desired ... with Flight Controls System Interfaces System/hardware/software verification of the system ...

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.

Johnson Controls

Controls Systems Engineer

Lynnfield, MA · On-site

$71K - $108K/yr

A Day in a Life at Johnson Controls | Engineering Roles What you do The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in deploying Niagara Framework-based systems and integrating building automation ...

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.

Johnson Controls

Controls Systems Engineer

Lynnfield, MA · On-site

$71K - $108K/yr

A Day in a Life at Johnson Controls | Engineering Roles What you do The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in deploying Niagara Framework-based systems and integrating building automation ...

Johnson Controls

Controls Systems Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team! As a global leader in smart, healthy, and ... system. Participates in release meeting with project field team. Performs value engineering to ...

Johnson Controls

Controls Systems Engineer

Norfolk, VA

$67K - $87K/yr

Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team! As a global leader in smart, healthy, and ... system. Participates in release meeting with project field team. Performs value engineering to ...

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Flight Controls Systems Engineer information

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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.
Flight Controls Engineer - Autonomy

Flight Controls Engineer - Autonomy

BETA Technologies

South Burlington, VT • On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted yesterday

Job description

At BETA Technologies, we apply our intellectual curiosity, passion for aviation, and commitment to sustainability toward a shared mission of revolutionizing electric aviation. Regardless of the position one holds, each team member brings their talent and desire to positively impact the environment and lives of others in a refreshing, vibrant, and inclusive culture.
We are seeking a Flight Controls Engineer with a strong focus on autonomy to support the development, integration, and validation of advanced flight control systems for next-generation aircraft. This role sits at the intersection of flight controls, guidance, navigation, and autonomous system development, enabling increasingly capable and certifiable autonomous operations.
The ideal candidate will work closely with control law, software, and systems teams to integrate autonomy functions with the flight control system and broader vehicle architecture. This includes supporting autonomous behaviors such as mission execution, contingency management, and vehicle decision-making. The role requires close collaboration with simulation, systems engineering, and flight test teams to ensure robust, safe, and scalable autonomy solutions.
How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation:
  • Support integration and validation of flight control systems enabling autonomous and semi-autonomous operation
  • Contribute to autonomy architecture, including mode management, state machines, and decision logic
  • Integrate flight control systems with Flight Management Systems (FMS), navigation systems, and offboard/ground control interfaces
  • Support system-level requirements development, traceability, and verification for autonomy features
  • Develop and execute test plans across simulation, Iron Bird, and flight test environments
  • Analyze flight test data to evaluate control system and autonomy performance
  • Ensure compliance with certification standards and safety-critical development practices
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to mature autonomy capabilities from concept through flight

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field
  • Experience with flight control systems or guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)
  • Strong understanding of control systems and aircraft dynamics
  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or similar modeling and simulation tools
  • Familiarity with embedded systems and real-time software environments
  • Experience developing or integrating autonomous systems, robotics, or decision-making algorithms

Above and Beyond Qualifications:
  • Experience with eVTOL, UAV, or advanced aircraft programs
  • Familiarity with DO-178C, DO-331, ARP4754, or similar certification frameworks
  • Experience with state estimation, sensor fusion, or path planning algorithms
  • Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), Iron Bird, or flight test campaigns
  • Programming experience in C/C++ or Python
  • Understanding of communication systems for autonomy (radio links, datalinks, ground control systems)

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
  • Based in South Burlington, VT; on-site presence required to support labs, rigs, and integrated testing. Occasional travel to test sites and suppliers as needed.

The wage listed here reflects our best faith estimate for this role. We pay competitively and base compensation on a variety of factors including skills, experience, industry background, and the evolving needs of the role. We remain committed to fair and equitable pay and we're happy to discuss during the interview process.
Compensation
$125,000-$150,000 USD
Build electric airplanes with us!
BETA offers a competitive Total Compensation package designed to support you now and as you grow with us. This role includes both Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units for all full-time team members, so everyone shares in our success. You'll have access to onsite healthcare in Vermont, comprehensive medical coverage, dental and vision, short- and long-term disability, and paid parental leave. We also take care of the everyday details with daily lunch provided, and yes-flight lessons are part of the experience, along with a range of additional perks that make work here genuinely rewarding.
We encourage all driven candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. BETA complies with all applicable federal, state and local non-discrimination laws and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our workplace.
Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. BETA Technologies participates in E-Verify.

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