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The differences between flight controls engineers and propulsion engineers 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 a propulsion engineer. Additionally, a flight controls engineer has an average salary of $99,619, which is higher than the $98,475 average annual salary of a propulsion engineer.
The top three skills for a flight controls engineer include C++, FAA and flight control systems. The most important skills for a propulsion engineer are propulsion system, CAD, and MATLAB.
| Flight Controls Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,619 | $98,475 |
| Hourly rate | $47.89 | $47.34 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 46,807 | 45,629 |
| 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.
A Propulsion Engineer is responsible for inspecting the condition and stability of rocket engines and control systems within the aerospace industry. They create engine systems by utilizing various software applications and tools for construction. They also identify cost-reduction materials and techniques by negotiating contracts and agreements with trusted suppliers and vendors. A Propulsion Engineer must have excellent technical and mechanical skills to resolve engine issues and conduct preventive maintenance to prevent operational delays and potential hazards.
Flight controls engineers and propulsion engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Flight Controls Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,619 | $98,475 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $130,000 | Between $70,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a flight controls engineer and a propulsion engineer in terms of educational background:
| Flight Controls Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between flight controls engineers' and propulsion engineers' demographics:
| Flight Controls Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% |
| 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, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 10.9% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |