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Summer Flight Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reliable Robotics

Flight Control Law Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

As a Flight Controls Engineer at Reliable Robotics, you will be part of the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Team. You will design, implement, integrate, and test flight control laws for all ...

Archer

Propulsion Controls Engineer, Motor

San Jose, CA · On-site

We are seeking a highly skilled Propulsion Controls Engineer to design, develop, and optimize ... Develop interfaces between flight control computers, motor/generator inverters, propulsion controls ...

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Summer Flight Controls Engineer information

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$105

How much do summer flight controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer flight controls engineer in the United States is $82.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77.40 and $90.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are control engineers in high demand?

Control engineers, including flight controls engineers, are in high demand due to the growth of aerospace, automation, and robotics industries. They often require specialized skills in systems design, control theory, and software tools, making their expertise valuable in various engineering sectors.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior flight controls engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in aerodynamics and control systems, and often working in aerospace or defense industries can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Such high compensation typically requires specialized expertise, leadership roles, and working for large, established companies or in high-cost regions.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior flight controls engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in aerospace systems, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with roles in aerospace companies, defense contractors, or senior engineering positions involving specialized skills and leadership responsibilities.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Summer Flight Controls Engineer expect during an internship?

As a Summer Flight Controls Engineer, you can expect to work on projects involving the design, simulation, and testing of flight control systems for aircraft or drones. Typical responsibilities include supporting model development, running hardware-in-the-loop simulations, analyzing flight test data, and assisting with troubleshooting control algorithms. You'll often collaborate with senior engineers, software teams, and test pilots to ensure the systems meet safety and performance standards. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to the aerospace industry's tools and processes, which can be a strong stepping stone for future career growth.

Are flight engineers in demand?

Flight engineers are in demand in the aviation industry, especially for commercial and cargo aircraft that require specialized technical expertise. The role often requires certifications and experience with aircraft systems, and demand can fluctuate based on airline growth and fleet modernization. Overall, qualified flight engineers are considered valuable for maintaining safety and operational efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Flight Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Flight Controls Engineer, you need a solid understanding of aerospace engineering principles, control systems, and typically enrollment in a relevant engineering program. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB/Simulink, flight simulation software, and version control systems is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in collaborative and fast-paced project environments. These competencies are crucial for designing and testing reliable flight control systems that ensure aircraft safety and optimal performance.

What is the difference between Summer Flight Controls Engineer vs Summer Avionics Engineer?

AspectSummer Flight Controls EngineerSummer Avionics Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; relevant certificationsBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Aerospace Engineering; certifications may vary
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and integration of flight control systems in aircraftDevelopment and testing of avionic systems and electronic components in aircraft
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace and aircraft manufacturing companiesIn aerospace, defense, and avionics system providers

The Summer Flight Controls Engineer focuses on designing and testing aircraft control systems, while the Summer Avionics Engineer specializes in electronic systems within aircraft. Both roles require similar technical backgrounds and work environments, but their specific responsibilities differ in system focus.

What are Summer Flight Controls Engineers?

Summer Flight Controls Engineers are typically interns or temporary employees who work with aerospace engineering teams during the summer months, focusing on the design, analysis, testing, and improvement of flight control systems in aircraft or spacecraft. Their responsibilities often include assisting with simulations, debugging software, running experiments, and supporting the development of control algorithms that ensure safe and efficient vehicle operation. This role provides hands-on experience and helps students or early-career engineers gain insight into the aerospace industry and the complexities of flight control systems.
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Summer Flight Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Flight Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,051 per year, or $82.2 per hour.
Guidance Navigation Controls (GNC) Engineer V/VI

Guidance Navigation Controls (GNC) Engineer V/VI

Zone 5 Technologies

Fort Worth, TX

$188K - $216K/yr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

The GNC Engineer V/VI is a senior-level individual contributor role responsible for leading the design, development, and optimization of advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for UAS. This position involves driving innovation in flight controls software, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating across disciplines to deliver cutting-edge UAS technologies. Engineers in this role will contribute to strategic initiatives, ensure high performance in flight control systems, and lead efforts from concept to flight testing.

Responsibilities:

  • Technical Leadership: Lead the design, analysis, and development of flight controls software for Group 1 to 4 UAS.

  • Software Development: Architect and implement advanced software components for deployment to flight tests.

  • Simulation Expertise: Oversee the creation and execution of high-fidelity SWIL and HWIL simulations to validate system performance.

  • Advanced Modeling: Develop and refine complex models in Matlab/Simulink, ensuring accuracy and performance optimization.

  • Controls Analysis: Perform advanced stability and performance analyses, providing guidance on control system optimization.

  • Mentorship: Mentor and train junior engineers, fostering technical growth and team collaboration.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Drive effective communication and alignment across engineering disciplines to meet project objectives.

  • Innovation and R&D: Lead research initiatives in advanced flight control methodologies, embedded systems, and auto-code generation.

  • Documentation and Review: Produce comprehensive technical documentation and lead peer review processes to ensure quality and compliance.

Qualifications:

  • Education: Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in flight controls engineering, with at least 5 years in UAS applications.

  • Skills:

    • Expertise in Matlab/Simulink and auto-code generation for embedded systems.

    • Advanced knowledge of control theory, flight dynamics, and embedded systems.

    • Experienced in state estimation and Kalman filtering.

    • Proven ability to run and analyze SWIL and HWIL simulations.

    • Strong leadership and project management skills.

    • Effective communication and collaboration skills.

    • Familiarity with Group 1-4 UAS flight controls and avionics suites.

  • Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

    • Knowledge of advanced control techniques and optimization algorithms.

    • History of contributing to successful flight test programs and R&D projects.

Pay Range by Level - 

Level V - $188,000 - $216,000

Level VI - $216,000 - $250,000

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