Drone Aeronautical and Flight Control Engineer (UAS)

LeVanta Tech; Diamondhead (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful influence

Hardware-first culture

Small collaborative team

Job summary

LeVanta Tech seeks an aeronautical and flight-control engineer to advance HALIA, a first-of-its-kind float–fly–float unmanned aircraft for U.S. defense and maritime ops.

The role is hands-on, collaborating closely with the engineering team to turn waterborne takeoff speed into stable flight. You will develop models, analyze both fixed-wing and vertical-flight aerodynamics, and tune autopilot systems while supporting ground, tether, and flight tests.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in aeronautical engineering or UAS flight dynamics.
• Knowledge of fixed-wing and vertical-flight aerodynamics.
• Experience configuring or tuning an autopilot/flight-control system.
• Experience supporting ground, tether, or flight testing.
• Strong analysis, documentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine flight-dynamics and stability models for HALIA.
• Analyze fixed-wing and vertical-flight UAS aerodynamic behavior.
• Configure, integrate, and tune an autopilot or flight-control system.
• Evaluate stability, trim, control authority, and handling qualities.
• Plan and support ground, tether, and flight testing.
• Analyze flight-test data and translate findings into design and tuning changes.
• Collaborate with structures, propulsion, electrical, software, and systems engineers.
• Account for weight, payload, performance, mass properties, and center of gravity.

Skills

Flight dynamics

Aero engineering

Autopilot tuning

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Aeronautical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

CFD

Flight-control software

Job description

LeVanta is building a first-of-its-kind float–fly–float unmanned aircraft for U.S. defense and maritime operations. We’re looking for an aeronautical and flight control engineer to help turn HALIA’s waterborne takeoff speed into stable, controlled flight.

This is a hands‑on flight‑sciences role working closely with the rest of the engineering team.

LeVanta's Mission

LeVanta is building the world’s first float‑fly‑float unmanned drone that will significantly change defense and commercial maritime operations. We’re striving to protect the national interests of US and ally countries by breaking technological barriers that meet pressing operational needs. Our team of passionate professionals—including industry‑leading engineers, former military operators, and other experts, are committed to creating a high value company leveraging truly disruptive UAV technology.

These cutting‑edge drones provide a seamless sea‑air interface, offering the ability to float indefinitely while minimizing energy consumption, and taking off to fly at high speeds on demand. Designed to address the challenges of aerial endurance and rough sea conditions, LeVanta Tech’s innovative solutions serve to redefine the future of drone operations. Located at the forefront of technological advancements, LeVanta Tech is dedicated to pushing boundaries in the field of drone technology.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and refine flight‑dynamics and stability models for HALIA
• Analyze fixed‑wing and vertical‑flight UAS aerodynamic behavior
• Configure, integrate, and tune an existing autopilot or flight‑control system
• Evaluate stability, trim, control authority, and handling qualities
• Plan and support ground, tether, and flight testing
• Analyze flight‑test data and translate findings into design and tuning changes
• Collaborate with structures, propulsion, electrical, software, and systems engineers
• Account for weight, payload, performance, mass properties, and center of gravity

Required Experience

• 2+ years in aeronautical engineering, UAS flight dynamics, stability and control, or flight‑control‑system integration
• Knowledge of fixed‑wing and vertical‑flight UAS aerodynamics and performance
• Experience configuring or tuning an autopilot or flight‑control system
• Experience supporting ground, tether, or flight testing
• Strong analysis, documentation, and communication skills

Preferred Experience

• MATLAB/Simulink, Python, CFD, or flight‑dynamics simulation experience
• Flight‑control software, embedded systems, or programming familiarity
• Defense, experimental aircraft, or prototype UAS experience

Why LeVanta

• Meaningful influence on a first‑of‑its‑kind aircraft
• Hardware‑first culture: model, test, learn, repeat
• Small, collaborative multidisciplinary engineering team