CW Research Engineer

MSR Technology Group; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

MSR Technology Group is seeking a Flight Control Research Engineer with an MS or PhD to join the Mothership Project for a 12-month contract. The role focuses on designing advanced flight control algorithms, running simulations, and guiding prototypes from lab to wind tunnel and real-world flight tests.

You will optimize simulation models, provide hands-on support during wind tunnel evaluations and live flights, and contribute to sensor development and integration for lightweight flying mobility

Qualifications

• PhD or MS with significant relevant experience in aerospace/mechanical/robotics.
• Strong research background in flight control systems for multi-rotor drones and fixed-wing aircraft.
• Practical experience with embedded systems and microcontrollers (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate flight control algorithms for tethered and untethered lightweight flying mobility vehicles.
• Improve and maintain multi-body simulation models for accurate performance predictions.
• Support wind tunnel evaluations and live flight tests, analyzing data to iterate on designs.
• Assist with sensor system development, testing, and integration.

Skills

Flight control

Embedded systems

Drones & multi-rotor

Simulation

Microcontrollers

Education

PhD in Aerospace/Mechanical/Robotics

MS with significant relevant experience

Tools

Raspberry Pi

Arduino

Job description

Requisition Title: CW Research Engineer MS Degree

Duration: 12 Months Contract

Description:

About the Role: We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Flight Control Research Engineer to join the Mothership Project.

In this role, you will play a critical part in the research and development of next-generation flying mobility solutions.

You will focus on designing advanced flight control algorithms, running complex simulations, and taking your work from the lab through prototyping, wind tunnel evaluations, and real-world flight testing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and validate robust flight control algorithms for tethered and untethered lightweight flying mobility vehicles equipped with electric propulsion systems.
• Improve, optimize, and maintain multi-body simulation models to ensure accurate performance predictions.
• Provide hands‑on engineering support during wind tunnel evaluations and live flight tests, analyzing data to iterate on designs.
• Support the development, testing, and integration of sensor systems.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a closely related field (a Master's degree with significant relevant experience will also be considered).
• Strong research background and proven experience in flight control systems for both multi-rotor drones and fixed-wing aircraft.
• Practical experience working with embedded systems and microcontrollers (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino).

Highly Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Model Predictive Control (MPC), sensor fusion, and Extended Kalman Filters (EKF).
• Hands‑on experience in the end-to-end development, building, and piloting of RC airplanes and custom drones.