Sr. Engineer I - Flight Controls

Job Title: UAV Flight Control Engineer (Gas Turbine Systems)

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled UAV Flight Control Engineer with extensive experience in flight control systems (FCS) for unmanned aerial vehicles powered by gas turbines, particularly those operating in the mid-subsonic to transonic speed regime. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, development, architecting and optimization of flight control systems, ensuring the UAVs meet performance, stability, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Select and integrate flight control systems specifically designed for UAVs powered by gas turbine engines.
• Develop and implement control algorithms to ensure stable and efficient flight operations in the mid-subsonic to transonic speed regimes.
• Conduct performance analysis and testing of flight control systems, including simulation and real-world flight tests.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of flight control systems with UAV platforms.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to flight controls during development and operational phases.
• Perform software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing, verification and validation of flight control system.
• Maintain and update technical documentation, including test plans, test reports and release documentation for FCS.
• Stay abreast of advancements in UAV flight control technologies and apply best practices in system integration and optimization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; a Master’s degree is desired but not mandatory.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in UAV flight control systems, with a focus on gas turbine-powered UAVs.
• Strong understanding of control theory, flight dynamics, and aerodynamics as they relate to UAV operations.
• Proficiency in using simulation software for flight dynamics and control system analysis.
• Experience with flight control hardware and software, including autopilot systems and ground control stations.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and safety protocols related to UAV flight operations.

This role develops and evaluates flight-control systems for gas-turbine-powered UAVs, including aircraft operating from mid-subsonic to transonic speeds. The work spans control algorithms, system integration, simulation and flight testing, and verification of performance and stability.

Role at a glance

Skills mentioned

What you will likely work on

• Select and integrate flight-control systems for gas-turbine UAV platforms.
• Develop control algorithms for stable, efficient flight across mid-subsonic and transonic regimes.
• Analyze system performance through simulation and real-world flight tests.
• Integrate controls with UAV platforms in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Diagnose flight-control issues during development and operations.
• Run software- and hardware-in-the-loop testing and verify system behavior.
• Prepare and maintain test plans, test reports, and release documentation.
• Track advances in UAV controls and apply relevant integration and optimization practices.

Good fit signals

• At least five years working with UAV flight-control systems, particularly gas-turbine-powered aircraft.
• Strong grounding in control theory, flight dynamics, and aerodynamics for UAV operations.
• Able to use flight-dynamics simulation software for control-system analysis.
• Experience with flight-control hardware and software, autopilots, and ground control stations.
• Familiarity with UAV operating standards and safety protocols; a master's degree is desired but not required.