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Ground Control Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ramp Agent

Chicago, IL

$16 - $19.50/hr

Coordinate with flight crews, ground control, and team members for smooth operations * Fill aircraft water tanks and ensure proper servicing levels * Handle baggage claims and transfers, ensuring ...

Coordinate with flight crews, ground control, and team members for smooth operations * Fill aircraft water tanks and ensure proper servicing levels * Handle baggage claims and transfers, ensuring ...

Ramp Agent

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.10/hr

Coordinate with flight crews, ground control, and team members for smooth operations * Fill aircraft water tanks and ensure proper servicing levels * Handle baggage claims and transfers, ensuring ...

The Quality Control Technician will implement and comply with quality assurance methods and ... ground while managing concrete delivery onsite • Specific vision abilities required by this job ...

The Quality Control Technician will implement and comply with quality assurance methods and ... ground while managing concrete delivery onsite • Specific vision abilities required by this job ...

Quality Control Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $64K/yr

The Quality Control Technician will implement and comply with quality assurance methods and ... ground while managing concrete delivery onsite • Specific vision abilities required by this job ...

Prime Air Ground Handler, Amazon Prime Air

Matteson, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

We're seeking a Ground Handler to support our drone delivery operations through ground support ... This position may require a deemed export control license for compliance with applicable laws and ...

Prime Air Ground Handler, Amazon Prime Air

Harvey, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

We're seeking a Ground Handler to support our drone delivery operations through ground support ... This position may require a deemed export control license for compliance with applicable laws and ...

Prime Air Ground Handler, Amazon Prime Air

Harvey, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

We're seeking a Ground Handler to support our drone delivery operations through ground support ... This position may require a deemed export control license for compliance with applicable laws and ...

Prime Air Ground Handler, Amazon Prime Air

Matteson, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

We're seeking a Ground Handler to support our drone delivery operations through ground support ... This position may require a deemed export control license for compliance with applicable laws and ...

Prime Air Ground Handler, Amazon Prime Air

Markham, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

We're seeking a Ground Handler to support our drone delivery operations through ground support ... This position may require a deemed export control license for compliance with applicable laws and ...

Prime Air Ground Handler, Amazon Prime Air

Markham, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

We're seeking a Ground Handler to support our drone delivery operations through ground support ... This position may require a deemed export control license for compliance with applicable laws and ...

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Ground Control information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do ground control jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for ground control in Chicago, IL is $25.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $31.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of ground control during a shift?

As a Ground Control professional, your main responsibilities include coordinating the movement of aircraft between gates, taxiways, and runways to ensure safe and orderly ground traffic. You will communicate closely with airline personnel, pilots, ramp agents, and other air traffic controllers to manage arrivals, departures, and any unexpected events such as weather disruptions or technical issues. A typical shift involves constant monitoring of ground operations, using radio and computer systems, and quick decision-making to resolve conflicts. This role is often performed as part of a larger team within an airport control tower or operations center, where strong collaboration and attention to protocol are key to maintaining safety and efficiency.

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

To thrive as Ground Control, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of aviation operations, typically supported by relevant training or certification in air traffic or ground operations. Familiarity with communication systems, radar technology, flight tracking software, and adherence to safety protocols is crucial. Effective teamwork, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe and efficient coordination of aircraft movements on the ground and minimize any risk of accidents or delays.

What is ground control?

A Ground Control job involves monitoring and managing ground-based operations to ensure communication, safety, and efficiency. Responsibilities may include overseeing air or space traffic, coordinating logistics, and maintaining communication between teams. Ground Control personnel work in industries such as aviation, space exploration, and military operations. They play a critical role in ensuring smooth and safe operations by responding to incidents, analyzing data, and following protocols. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ground Control jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Ground Control jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Ground Control jobs in Chicago, IL? For Ground Control jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Ground Control job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,358 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer, Staff (R5006)

Shield AI

Mundelein, IL • On-site

$120K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, analyze, and improve ground and flight test operations for a fast-paced next gen aircraft system. You will work closely across several segment owners of engineering, operations, autonomy, systems integration, product support, and manufacturing.  
What you'll do:
  • Develop, publish, and execute comprehensive flight test plans, procedures, cards, risk assessments, safety, and readiness reviews 
  • Support integration and test of aircraft systems, payloads, comms/data links, software, ground control systems, and mission equipment 
  • Lead and coordinate pre-flight, flight, and post-flight activities, including system configuration, instrumentation, telemetry, data collection and test reports 
  • Analyze ground and flight test data to identify performance trends, anomalies, root causes, and corrective actions 
  • Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mature system capabilities 
  • Lead or participate in test range operations, safety briefings, go/no-go decisions, and test setup and logistics  
  • Document test results, lessons learned, anomalies, and recommendations in clear technical reports 
  • Support aircraft maintenance, configuration control, and system readiness 
  • Create and improve flight test processes, tools, data workflows, and operational efficiency 
  • Create and maintain ground and air operating limitations requirements  
  • Travel to test sites, customer locations, and field exercises as required 
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM Degree) 
  • 5-10 years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned/manned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering 
  • Strong understanding of aircraft systems, flight dynamics, avionics, telemetry, sensors, or control systems  
  • Proven ability to write and execute structured test plans, procedures, and reports 
  • Strong troubleshooting skills in field and/or lab environments 
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work across engineering and operations teams 
  • Willingness to travel and work outdoors, fields, or test range environments 
  • Overtime and weekend coverage as required 
Preferred qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering 
  • Experience in Group 4-5 UAS and/or fighter type capability or similar weapons systems 
  • Familiarity with FAA, DoW, and test range flight operations 
  • Experience with autonomy, navigation, mission planning, and Command-and-Control (C2) systems 
  • Hands-on experience with aircraft maintenance, avionics integration, payload integration, and ground support equipment  
  • Experience with telemetry systems, flight and data logs, sensor data, datalinks, and RF systems 
  • Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or crewed aviation experience 
  • Proven Mission Control Room experience using Integrated Analysis & Data System (IADS) or similar development FTI display system  
  • Experience leading or supporting developmental flight test campaigns from design through planning and execution to include reporting 
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is practical, detail-oriented engineer who is comfortable in control rooms, hangar/maintenance areas, and office type environments. You can write a detailed test plan, troubleshoot hardware and software at a test site, analyze flight data, and communicate clearly under operational pressure. You are safety-minded, have high technical acumen, and motivated by building and validating advanced and complex aircraft systems 
 
#LI-JM1
#LD

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.