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The differences between flight controls engineers and engineering scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a flight controls engineer and an engineering scientist. Additionally, a flight controls engineer has an average salary of $99,619, which is higher than the $90,138 average annual salary of an engineering scientist.
The top three skills for a flight controls engineer include C++, FAA and flight control systems. The most important skills for an engineering scientist are C++, python, and data analysis.
| Flight Controls Engineer | Engineering Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $99,619 | $90,138 |
| Hourly rate | $47.89 | $43.34 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 46,807 | 97,496 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The main task of a flight controls engineer is to monitor the instrument systems of an airplane during the flight. Flight controls engineers communicate with dispatchers, assist the pilot, oversee the fuel, and regulate cabin pressure. They work on the design, state flow testing, and module of the flight control system. Their job includes investigating, recommending, and implementing flight control system solutions. They perform data analysis to ensure compliance with FAA. Also, they provide solutions to issues affecting the operations and developments of flights.
An engineering scientist is responsible for designing new technological systems through the evaluation of scientific methods and innovative solutions. Engineering scientists analyze technical parts and components, researching the current engineering trends to meet public demands and interests. They record their observations and discoveries, run multiple diagnostic tests on the outputs to ensure its efficiency and optimal performance to support industrial operations. An engineering scientist also works closely within a group of engineering and designs team to implement procedures that would support findings from its conceptualization to final deliverables.
Flight controls engineers and engineering scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Flight Controls Engineer | Engineering Scientist | |
| Average salary | $99,619 | $90,138 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $130,000 | Between $65,000 And $124,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | South San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Arizona |
| Best paying company | - | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a flight controls engineer and an engineering scientist in terms of educational background:
| Flight Controls Engineer | Engineering Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between flight controls engineers' and engineering scientists' demographics:
| Flight Controls Engineer | Engineering Scientist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 13.0% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 14.6% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |