Systems and methods provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during assembly, machining, manufacturing, and/or transportation operations. According to embodiments described herein, a contour control system includes a number of force control modules that are communicatively linked to a control system. The control system receives or retrieves data indicating the shape of the structure and a shape associated with a desired structure, and determines if the structure is consistent with the design specifications and any associated tolerances. The control system controls the force control modules to apply calculated forces to the structure to control the contours of the structure and/or to maintain the structure in a desired configuration. According to embodiments, the force control modules include support cradles, air cushion pads, vacuum cups, and/or other structures for selectively applying dynamic and/or static forces to the structure.