ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elroy Air

Flight Test Engineer

Byron, CA

$123K - $187K/yr

Conduct flight tests for autonomous systems including navigation, control, cargo handling, and mission autonomy systems. Operate data acquisition systems during flight tests to collect real-time ...

Elroy Air

Flight Test Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

Conduct flight tests for autonomous systems including navigation, control, cargo handling, and mission autonomy systems. Operate data acquisition systems during flight tests to collect real-time ...

Elroy Air

Flight Test Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

$123K - $187K/yr

Conduct flight tests for autonomous systems including navigation, control, cargo handling, and mission autonomy systems. Operate data acquisition systems during flight tests to collect real-time ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsFlight Systems Jobs

Flight Systems information

See salary details

$14

$28

$47

How much do flight systems jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight systems in the United States is $28.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Flight Systems, and why are they important?

To excel in Flight Systems, candidates typically require a strong background in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and a relevant degree such as aerospace or electrical engineering. Familiarity with avionics software, flight simulation tools, and industry certifications like FAA or EASA standards is essential. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative development and operation of complex flight systems.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Flight Systems, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Flight Systems often encounter challenges such as integrating complex avionics, ensuring system reliability under various conditions, and coordinating with multiple engineering teams. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, thorough testing, and clear communication with both hardware and software teams. Staying up-to-date with industry standards and participating in cross-disciplinary meetings can also help in identifying and resolving potential issues early in the development process.

What are flight systems?

Flight systems refer to the various electronic, mechanical, and software components that control and support the operation of an aircraft or spacecraft during flight. These systems include avionics, navigation, communication, propulsion, flight control, and monitoring systems. Flight systems are critical for ensuring the safety, stability, and efficiency of flight operations. Professionals working with flight systems are responsible for designing, testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting these complex systems to meet rigorous industry standards.

What is the difference between Flight Systems vs Avionics Technician?

AspectFlight SystemsAvionics Technician
Required CredentialsFAA certifications, engineering degreesFAA certifications, electronics training
Work EnvironmentAircraft manufacturing, maintenance, testingAircraft maintenance, repair, installation
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, aerospace companies, militaryAirlines, maintenance facilities, aerospace
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Flight Systems professionals focus on designing, testing, and integrating complex aircraft systems, including navigation and control systems. Avionics Technicians primarily handle the installation, maintenance, and repair of electronic systems within aircraft. While both roles require FAA certifications and work within the aerospace industry, Flight Systems roles are more engineering-oriented, whereas Avionics Technicians focus on hands-on maintenance and troubleshooting.

More about Flight Systems jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Systems jobs? Cities with the most Flight Systems job openings:
What states have the most Flight Systems jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Systems jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Flight Systems jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Systems jobs are:
Flight Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Systems job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,871 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Lead Software Engineer, Flight Systems - Top Secret Clearance

Lead Software Engineer, Flight Systems - Top Secret Clearance

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA

$165K - $230K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 59 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
LEAD SOFTWARE ENGINEER, FLIGHT SYSTEMS - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE
As a Lead Software Engineer in Special Programs, you will lead a team of software engineers to design, develop, and test key aspects of an in-house solution for analysis, simulation, and prototyping of software in support of SpaceX flight systems. You will have full ownership of the direction and delivery of scalable, high-performance applications used to control and test orbital flight systems. This is a high-impact role where you will work across the engineering groups to build a high-assurance system that accelerates the development and demonstration of cutting-edge software and hardware.
Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather, we look for smart, motivated software engineers who enjoy taking on complex challenges, work well in dynamic environments, and care about software best practices. Our software is critical to future mission successes, and we have no shortage of interesting challenges that require innovative, cutting-edge solutions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Own the outcomes and delivery of a software engineering team developing simulation and flight software, automated testing of vehicle subsystems and supporting ground software
  • Manage technical results, performance evaluations, and professional growth for all your reports
  • Develop and maintain a roadmap with clear, achievable short-term and long-term goals
  • Foster a culture of excellence, emphasizing high-quality work, peer support, and cross-functional collaboration
  • Identify and eliminate roadblocks, empower team ownership, and motivate individuals to succeed
  • Lead architecture discussions, design decisions, and code reviews
  • Ensure adherence to software development processes and industry best practices
  • Oversee all phases of software development, from design and implementation to testing, mission integration, and operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, computer engineering, or electrical engineering
  • 5+ years of experience in software development, developing applications in C++ and Python
  • 3+ years of experience with developing and testing automation software for electrical or mechanical systems
  • 1+ years of professional leadership experience
  • Active Top-Secret, Top-Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Expert knowledge of C++ and Python
  • Strong focus and interest in designing, architecting, and implementing excellent, high-quality software
  • Basic knowledge of electronics, controls, motor design, and physical mechanisms
  • Automation software experience within electrical or mechanical flight, automotive, or robotics systems
  • Experience with automated build and test frameworks such as Bamboo, Ansible, or Jenkins
  • Experience with containerized solutions such as Docker and Kubernetes
  • Professional experience with Linux or Unix systems and tools
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, data throughput analysis, and unit testing
  • Strong creative and innovative problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment by quickly adapting to changing needs and requirements
  • Able to work well in an integrated engineering environment, including frequent interactions with engineers and managers of other engineering disciplines

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.
  • Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol test
  • Must be willing to travel (approximately 10%) to other SpaceX locations, as necessary
  • Able to work extended hours and weekends when necessary to support proposal or critical project timelines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Lead Software Engineer: $165,000.00 - $230,000.00/per year.
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply