Flight Controls Engineer
Poway
Saturday, 09 May 2026
Perform GNC-related tasks for all phases of a new aircraft development program, including use case refinement, requirements development, clean-sheet design, software integration and validation, flight test planning, and analysis of flight data through prototype flight tests. Translate the physics of flight control avionics, aerodynamic characteristics, and mass properties of a conceptual aircraft into MATLAB scripts and Simulink models for real-time simulation and automatic code generation. Design discrete flight control laws, continually performing stability and flying qualities analyses. Independently verify and validate the embedded control law software on the simulated and actual hardwareSupport development of analytic tools as needed for novel aircraft configurations. Participate in internal and customer-facing design reviews, test readiness reviews, flight briefings, and technical interchange meetings. Collaborate among peers, as part of a multi-disciplinary team (Systems, Software, Mechanical, and Electrical engineering), to solve unique and complex engineering challenges. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education. Relevant background in the areas of low- and high-speed aerodynamics, control systems, and aircraft dynamics. Experience with MATLAB/ Simulink modeling, simulation, and analysis of linear and nonlinear dynamic systems. Strong knowledge of classical and modern control theory, lower order modeling, and filtering techniques. Experience with flight control design and analysis for fixed and rotary wing aircraft or missile systems. Experience designing Simulink models for code generation and integration into an established C/ C codebase. Ability to self-motivate and self-organize to achieve program established deadlines; proactively working independently and collaborating with other disciplines and seeking out help when appropriate. Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, and/or government representatives. Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance is required. DESIRED SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS:Familiarity with Stateflow, Python, and/or C/ C . Exposure to adjacent technical areas, including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), aerodynamics and performance, mass property analysis, servo-mechanical modeling, and/or aircraft structures. Active DoD Secret, or higher, security clearance.