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Ground Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aviation Ground Equipment Corp

Controller

Franklin, OH · On-site

Plant Controller Aviation Ground Equipment Corp. is seeking a Controller to lead our Finance department. This is a key role reporting to the VP/General Manager. The role will be responsible for ...

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$55K

$119.5K

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How much do ground controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Ground Controller position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ground Controller, you need strong situational awareness, decision-making skills, and a solid understanding of airfield operations, often supported by relevant certifications such as an FAA Ground Control endorsement or completion of air traffic control training. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communications equipment, and airport management software is typically required. Effective communication, stress management, and teamwork are crucial soft skills in this dynamic environment. These abilities help ensure safety, efficient coordination, and smooth operational flow on the ground at busy airports or transportation hubs.

Did air traffic controllers get paid $10,000?

Air traffic controllers, including ground controllers, typically earn salaries well above $10,000 per month, with the median annual wage around $130,000 according to industry data. Their compensation depends on experience, location, and certifications, and they often work in high-pressure environments requiring specialized training and certification. Such salaries are common for experienced controllers in the field.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Ground Controller, particularly in aviation or space operations, can earn around $10,000 per month with extensive experience and specialized training, often without requiring a traditional college degree. These roles typically demand certifications, technical skills, and on-the-job training, and they involve managing aircraft or spacecraft movements in complex environments.

What is a Ground Controller job?

A Ground Controller is responsible for managing the movement of aircraft and vehicles on the ground at an airport, excluding the active runway. They communicate with pilots and other personnel to ensure safe and efficient taxiing, parking, and routing of aircraft. Ground Controllers work in air traffic control towers and use radar, radio communication, and surveillance systems to monitor airport ground traffic. Their role is essential in preventing collisions and maintaining the orderly flow of aircraft on taxiways and aprons.

How much do ground controllers make?

Ground controllers, also known as ground operations agents, typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the employer, with some positions offering additional benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Why can't you be an Air Traffic Controller after 31?

Ground controllers and other air traffic control roles often have age limits due to the high mental and physical demands of the job, including the need for quick decision-making and stress management. Many agencies set retirement or age restrictions, typically around age 30 or 31, to ensure safety and performance standards are maintained throughout a controller's career. These limits are based on regulatory guidelines and the physical and cognitive requirements of the role.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Ground Controller?

As a Ground Controller, your main duties include directing aircraft and vehicles on taxiways and runways, maintaining constant radio communication with pilots and other control tower staff, and ensuring all movements on the ground are safe and efficient. You'll use radar, maps, and other tracking systems to monitor ground traffic, provide clearances, and respond quickly to developing situations. The role often requires working in a busy, high-pressure environment where attention to detail is critical. You'll regularly coordinate with other members of the air traffic control team and airport personnel to keep all ground operations running smoothly.

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Ground Controller jobs near you
Launch Engineer - Ground Operations

Launch Engineer - Ground Operations

Stoke Space

Cape Canaveral, FL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description

Reusable systems with frequent launch cadence are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space.  A highly operable, reliable, and robust ground system is an integral part of a fully reusable launch system.  As a launch operations engineer for our dedicated launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, you will be responsible for developing, commissioning, and operating new launch systems from scratch and serving as a key member of the ground operations team for test and orbital launch campaigns.  You will be responsible for engineering, procedures, integration, commissioning, operations, and on-console control.  As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right while simultaneously boosting your skills at a pace that can't be matched in most other roles.  You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly. 

Responsibilities

  • On-console control of launch ground systems
  • Own launch readiness, day-of launch console operations, and test & launch campaigns for ground systems
  • Serve as main point of contact for anomaly investigations and own anomaly response and closure for ground systems
  • Develop, maintain, and execute procedures, control logic, and automation sequencing for ground systems
  • Develop and implement test plans and procedures, complete data reviews, and oversee launch readiness reviews for launch site operations
  • Perform real time and post operation data reviews for the ground systems
  • Work closely with vehicle software team, and help architect launch automation
  • Coordinate with multiple departments and disciplines, including headquarters and test, inclusive of software and hardware, to ensure the launch complex is ready to receive, process, integrate and operate high cadence flight hardware
  • Develop, build, operate, and maintain supporting launch facilities including launch control center
  • Continuously improve launch operations and functions to enable high-cadence launch and recovery operations
  • Provide engineering expertise, oversite, and hands-on support during day-to-day site operations
  • Serve as on-console support or pad lead for day-to-day launch pad operations
  • Ensure operations are performed industry best practices and EHS policies are followed. Work with EHS to optimize safety policies and operational procedures to reduce or eliminate risk to personnel   

Qualifications  

  • 5+ years of experience as a test site operations engineer, launch site operations engineer, ground controller, and/or flight vehicle controller or equivalent experience with similar high-performance applications (aircraft, missile systems, naval, oil & gas, energy systems, etc).
  • Strong engineering fundamentals across multiple disciplines (thermodynamics, fluids, software, electrical, and/or structures)
  • Ability to troubleshoot problems and implement solutions real time.
  • Ability to architect launch automation logic & sequencing and an understanding of software state machine applications
  • Experience utilizing and enforcing EHS policies including fall protection, lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work, job site safety, hazmat, and waste streams
  • Experience operating and calibrating EHS tools utilized in a launch complex environment including hazardous gas detectors, FLIR cameras, and sound meters
  • Willing and able to travel up to 20% of the time to Stoke HQ and Moses Lake Test Site to help ensure seamless Cape Launch Site operations
  • Ability to prioritize and execute
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Ability to lead
  • Ability to follow
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or similar field.
  • Willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, FL

Preferred Qualifications  

  • 10+ years of experience as a test site operations engineer, launch site operations engineer, ground controller, and/or flight vehicle controller or equivalent experience with similar high-performance applications (aircraft, missile systems, naval, oil & gas, energy systems, etc).
  • Experience working hazardous operations including operations with high pressure gas systems, cryogenic liquid systems, high power systems, and/or explosive ordnance
  • Experience performing hazardous analyses for cryogenic and high-pressure gas systems
  • Experience working test and operations of systems involving integration of software, electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems
  • Experience with data acquisition and control systems and sensing elements (pressure, temperature, accelerometers, load cells, infrared, optical, strain gauges, flow meters, etc)
  • Proficient with Python programming language is desirable
  • Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710, MSPSP, and HazOp range requirements as well as DoD explosive siting for launch vehicle programs
  • Experience working with 45th SW, 30th SW, and/or NASA and other government agencies
  • Master's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or similar field

Benefits

  • Equity - We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees. 
  • Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance 
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance 
  • 401(k) plan with employer match 
  • 4 weeks' Paid Time Off  
  • Holidays - 10 days (including an end-of-year closure) 
  • Paid Family/Parental Leave  
  • On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location) 
  • Dog friendly offices! 

Compensation

Target Levels:

  • Level 2 Range: $109,725 - $148,470
  • Level 3 Range: $129,150 - $193,620

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis. 

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

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