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Flight Department Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The department seeks guidance, navigation, and flight control (GNC) engineers who are proficient not only in control law design and analysis but also in the flight-critical software production. Work ...

Flight Paramedic

Redding, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Flight Paramedic Opportunity in Redding, CA Starting at $86,000k - $125,000k DOE We're hiring a Flight Paramedic to work with our team of air transportation experts to safely transport patients to ...

New

FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER - CAMARILLO, CA We are advancing flight control and automation technology ... Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security Export Administration Regulations. NO ...

Flight Test Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER - CAMARILLO, CA We are advancing flight control and automation technology ... Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security Export Administration Regulations. NO ...

ENL Flight Care Compensation range: $31.59 - $42.65 Your rate of pay will be based on applicable ... They also will be available to assist in Emergency Department patient care. EDUCATION / TRAINING ...

Flight Duty Officer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

... Department of Defense (DoD) operations; OR * Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or ... Experience supporting flight scheduling or aircrew operations * Ability to work in a fast-paced ...

ENL Flight Care Compensation range: $31.59 - $42.65 Your rate of pay will be based on applicable ... They also will be available to assist in Emergency Department patient care. EDUCATION / TRAINING ...

Flight Duty Officer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Flight Duty Officer Palmdale, CA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1327 Salary Range: $90,000.00 To ... Department of Defense (DoD) operations; OR * Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Department information

What is a flight department?

A Flight Department is an organizational unit within a company, government, or other entity responsible for managing and operating aircraft for corporate, private, or specialized purposes. This department typically oversees pilots, maintenance crews, scheduling, compliance with aviation regulations, and the safety of all flight operations. Flight Departments are common in large corporations that own or lease aircraft for executive travel, as well as in government agencies, charter companies, and other organizations requiring regular air transportation. Their primary goal is to ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective use of aviation resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a flight department role?

To excel in a Flight Department, you generally need a background in aviation operations, regulatory compliance, and safety management, often supported by a relevant degree or pilot/maintenance certifications. Familiarity with flight planning software, scheduling systems, and aviation safety management systems (SMS) is typically required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating flights and responding to changing conditions. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations while maintaining seamless coordination among crew and stakeholders.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a flight department?

Professionals in a Flight Department often navigate challenges such as coordinating complex flight schedules, adhering to strict regulatory requirements, and maintaining clear communication among pilots, maintenance crews, and support staff. The dynamic nature of aviation means team members must be adaptable to last-minute changes, weather disruptions, and operational priorities. Collaboration and proactive problem-solving are essential, as is a strong focus on safety and compliance to ensure smooth and efficient flight operations.

What is the difference between Flight Department vs Flight Operations Coordinator?

AspectFlight DepartmentFlight Operations Coordinator
CredentialsFAA certifications, pilot licenses, safety trainingFAA certifications, safety training, scheduling experience
Work EnvironmentCorporate aviation, private jet services, airline supportCorporate flight support, scheduling offices, aviation companies
Employer & IndustryPrivate companies, airlines, charter servicesAirlines, private aviation firms, charter operators
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in flight operations, pilot responsibilitiesScheduling, coordinating flights, supporting flight crews

The Flight Department typically manages the overall operation of private or corporate aircraft, including pilot oversight and safety compliance. The Flight Operations Coordinator focuses on scheduling, logistics, and supporting flight crews within the flight department. While both roles require aviation knowledge and certifications, the Flight Department has a broader management scope, whereas the Coordinator handles day-to-day flight logistics.

Infographic showing various Flight Department job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Flight Controls Engineer

General Atomics

Poway, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer in San Diego, CA (Poway, CA) to join our Flight Technologies department. The department seeks guidance, navigation, and flight control (GNC) engineers who are proficient not only in control law design and analysis but also in the flight-critical software production. Work may focus on all phases of the aircraft life cycle including requirements development, clean-sheet design, software integration and validation, flight test planning and execution, analysis of flight data, and support for fielded systems.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop flight control and algorithm improvements based on engineering design principles. Utilize varying methodologies including classical controls, linear and non-linear modeling, air vehicle and mission simulation, and flight data analysis.
  • Ensure designs comply with system requirements, meet expectations based on legacy performance, and follow industry best practices.
  • Assess flying qualities, characterize aircraft performance changes, and highlight risk impacts due to aircraft system changes to substantiate airworthiness
  • Generate aircraft models in MATLAB and Simulink which include the flight mechanics, aerodynamic characteristics, mass properties, and flight control algorithms for purposes of simulation-based analysis
  • Derive flight control requirements based on desired system capability and/or customer feedback to inform algorithm and controller designs
  • Collaborate with other GA-ASI teams who integrate flight control algorithms into aircraft software, plan and execute testing for GNC developed capabilities, and utilize the interfaces and control techniques defined by GNC to pilot the aircraft
  • Troubleshoot flight control anomalies experienced in fielded systems via flight data analysis and simulation, correlating with flight software operation and generating flight software corrective actions.
  • Occasional travel to flight test facilities to support ground and flight test activities.
  • Potential to lead a team of peers in accomplishing program objectives within provided timelines

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrates extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice.
  • Understands new concepts quickly and can adapt and apply lessons learned in an evolving environment.
  • Formulates plans to utilize the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
  • Possesses some experience in project leadership with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
  • Exhibits strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills which enable effective collaboration with team members, other departments, and/or industry professionals.
  • Capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact and providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
  • Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • A Professional Engineering License, original work(s) published in professional engineering journals, and invited to present one or more original works to an engineering symposium are desirable.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955