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Ground Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Network 101

Controller

Scotts Valley, CA · On-site

Controller (Hands-On Build Role | Hardware / Manufacturing) Location: Scotts Valley, CA (Onsite 4-5 ... This is a rare opportunity to join at the ground floor of a company with significant customer ...

The Network 101

Controller

Scotts Valley, CA · On-site

$230K - $270K/yr

Controller (Hands-On Build Role | Hardware / Manufacturing) Location: Scotts Valley, CA (Onsite 4-5 ... This is a rare opportunity to join at the ground floor of a company with significant customer ...

The Network 101

Controller

Scotts Valley, CA · On-site

$230K - $270K/yr

Controller (Hands-On Build Role | Hardware / Manufacturing) Location: Scotts Valley, CA (Onsite 4-5 ... This is a rare opportunity to join at the ground floor of a company with significant customer ...

Antares

Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys building from the ground up, improving processes ... in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or equivalent leadership role * Strong knowledge of U.S.

Ever

Assistant Controller

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $200K/yr

... the ground up. Position Summary The Assistant Controller serves as the Controller's primary business partner and is responsible for overseeing the monthly close process, technical accounting ...

OCVIBE

Controller, Hospitality

Anaheim, CA

$175K - $210K/yr

This role is responsible for building the accounting and financial infrastructure from the ground up, including systems, processes, internal controls, budgets, and reporting. The Controller must ...

Anaheimducks

Controller, Hospitality

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

This role is responsible for building the accounting and financial infrastructure from the ground up, including systems, processes, internal controls, budgets, and reporting. The Controller must ...

OCVIBE

Controller, Hospitality

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

This role is responsible for building the accounting and financial infrastructure from the ground up, including systems, processes, internal controls, budgets, and reporting. The Controller must ...

JetZero

Controller

Long Beach, CA

$220K - $250K/yr

If you want to build something from the ground up in a category-defining company, this is the role ... the accounting and controlling function. * A clear communicator who can translate complex ...

BH Properties

Senior Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

SENIOR CONTROLLER www.bhproperties.com COMPANY BH Properties is a privately held commercial real ... debt and ground leases. The Company is vertically integrated, with offices in Los Angeles ...

ACE

Corporate Controller

Temecula, CA · On-site

$130K - $155K/yr

Corporate Controller Location:Temecula, CA (In-Office) Employment Type:Full-Time Salary Range:$130 ... ground storage tanksin the Western U.S. We specialize in welded, bolted, and concrete tank design ...

BH Properties

Senior Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

SENIOR CONTROLLER www.bhproperties.com COMPANY BH Properties is a privately held commercial real ... debt and ground leases. The Company is vertically integrated, with offices in Los Angeles ...

Akido

Controller

Los Angeles, CA

This is not a traditional Controller role. This role reports to the CFO and is the senior most ... from the ground up * Strong technical accounting foundation, with the ability to navigate ...

JetZero

Controller

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$220K - $250K/yr

If you want to build something from the ground up in a category-defining company, this is the role ... controlling function. * A clear communicator who can translate complex accounting into language ...

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All JobsGround Controller JobsGround Controller Jobs in California

Ground Controller information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do ground controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground controller in California is $117,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $136,700.00 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 average annual salary ranging from $70,000 to over $130,000 depending on experience and location. Entry-level positions usually start lower but increase with experience, certifications, and overtime work in a high-stakes environment. Such salaries are common in the industry for qualified professionals working in the United States and other countries with developed air traffic control systems.

How much do ground controllers get paid?

Ground controllers typically earn an average annual salary between $40,000 and $70,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require certification and work in airport environments, coordinating aircraft movements on the ground to ensure safety and efficiency.

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.

Why can't you be an air traffic controller after 31?

Ground controllers and other air traffic control roles typically 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 maximum age limits, often around 30 or 31, to ensure candidates can meet the job's physical and cognitive requirements throughout their career. These age restrictions are part of certification and hiring policies to maintain safety standards in air traffic management.

What is the highest paid position at an airport?

At airports, the highest paid positions are typically executive roles such as airport directors or chief executives, who oversee airport operations and strategic planning. These roles often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and relevant certifications, and they can earn salaries well above other airport staff, including ground controllers and pilots.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Ground Controller jobs in California? For Ground Controller jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ground Controller jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Ground Controller jobs in California are:
Ground Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Controller job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Controller

The Network 101

Scotts Valley, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Controller (Hands-On Build Role | Hardware / Manufacturing)

Location:  Scotts Valley, CA (Onsite 4–5 days/week)
Relocation support provided
Salary: $230,000 – $270,000 base + meaningful equity

We are a Series B, venture-backed hardware technology company building next-generation power electronics to modernize critical grid infrastructure. Our mission is to replace legacy transformer systems with highly efficient, scalable, domestically produced technology.

We are entering a major inflection point-transitioning from R&D into commercial manufacturing-and are hiring our first dedicated Controller to build the accounting function from the ground up.

This is a rare opportunity to join at the ground floor of a company with significant customer demand, deep technical leadership, and the backing of experienced operators from world-class engineering organizations.

What You'll Do

You will act as both a hands-on operator and a builder of scalable finance infrastructure:

  • Lead selection and implementation of a new ERP system (transitioning off QuickBooks)
  • Build inventory and cost accounting systems to support manufacturing and product COGS
  • Establish and own the month-end close process, including reconciliations and journal entries
  • Bring outsourced accounting functions in-house and prepare the company for its first audit
  • Ensure full U.S. GAAP compliance as the company scales into production
  • Hire, manage, and develop a junior accountant (already approved)
  • Partner closely with engineering, operations, and leadership as products move toward production
What We're Looking For
  • CPA required
  • 7–12 years of progressive accounting experience
  • Strong background in manufacturing, hardware, or inventory-heavy environments
  • Prior experience with ERP implementation or system selection
  • Deep knowledge of cost accounting, inventory accounting, and U.S. GAAP
  • Comfortable as a senior individual contributor who is still hands-on today, with a path to building and leading a larger finance team
  • Must be onsite in Scotts Valley (relocation support available)
Why This Role
  • First dedicated Controller in a rapidly scaling hardware company
  • Direct impact on building the financial foundation of a future manufacturing business
  • Work alongside leadership with deep experience scaling complex engineering organizations
  • Significant ownership across systems, processes, and team build-out
  • Strong equity upside in a company solving a critical infrastructure problem
Ideal Background

Candidates often come from:

  • High-growth hardware or manufacturing companies
  • Aerospace, EV, robotics, semiconductor, or industrial tech environments
  • Controller / Assistant Controller / Senior Finance Manager roles with ERP + cost accounting exposure
Interview Process
  1. Hiring Manager Interview (technical + cultural fit)
  2. Take-home technical case study (3–5 hours)
  3. On-site panel interview (Scotts Valley office)
  4. Final interview with executive leadership team

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