Flight Control Engineer

Insight Global; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global seeks a Flight Controls/GNC Engineer to develop and test next-gen unmanned air vehicles and robotic systems. You will architect flight algorithms, conduct advanced flight testing, and integrate cutting-edge technologies into real-world solutions.

This role spans GN&C (60%), flight testing (20%), and embedded software support (20%), with up to 20% travel. You will mentor teammates, lead small agile teams, and influence platform development.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering required or strongly desired.
• 1+ years of GN&C, aircraft design, flight testing, or related experience.
• Hands-on engineering across autopilots, flight control, UAV integration.
• Deep knowledge of classical and modern controls design and system analysis.
• Experience with fixed-wing and multi-rotor vehicles is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and documentation of GN&C solutions for unmanned systems.
• Characterize, test, and troubleshoot hardware and software subsystems related to control systems.
• Develop and maintain HIL and SIL simulations.
• Analyze flight test data to support model improvements and root-cause analyses.
• Develop data reduction and analysis tools for UAV/test data.
• Develop linear and nonlinear control algorithms to ensure stability and performance.
• Drive GN&C requirements development, design reviews, and proposals.
• Mentor and support team members and serve as Team Lead as needed.
• Support integration of reusable GN&C and software components into new products.
• Travel up to 20% within the continental U.S. for on-site flight ops.

Skills

GN&C expertise

Flight control

Team leadership

Robotics familiarity

Communications hardware

Education

Master's degree in engineering

Tools

HIL/SIL simulations

ROS

Monte Carlo

Job description

We are searching for a talented Flight Controls/Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to play a critical role in developing next-generation unmanned air vehicles and robotic systems. As a key member of our innovative team, you will help architect flight algorithms, conduct advanced flight testing, and integrate cutting-edge technologies into real-world solutions.

This high-impact role leverages your multi-disciplinary expertise. You'll lead and contribute to ambitious projects spanning GN&C (60%), flight testing (20%), and supporting disciplines such as embedded software (20%). You'll guide teams, solve complex technical challenges, and directly influence the development of groundbreaking platforms.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and documentation of advanced GN&C solutions for unmanned systems.


• Characterize, test, and troubleshoot hardware and software subsystems related to control systems.


• Develop and maintain Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-In-the-Loop (SIL) Simulations


• Analyze systems and flight test data, supporting model improvements and root cause analyses.


• Develop and maintain data reduction and analysis tools that drive actionable insights from robot and UAV test data.


• Perform linear & non-linear control algorithm development to ensure world-class stability and performance.


• Drive GN&C requirements development, design reviews, and technical proposal creation.


• Mentor and support team members as a technical expert and occasionally serve as Team Lead across small, agile teams.


• Support integration of reusable GN&C and software components into new products.


• Travel up to 20% within the continental U.S. to support on-site flight operations.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Master's degree in engineering is strongly desired


• 1+ years of progressive experience in GN&C, aircraft design, flight testing, project management, or closely related fields.


• Exceptional hands-on engineering ability and a proven track record across multiple technical domains (autopilots, flight control, communications hardware/software, UAV integration).


• Deep knowledge in classical and modern controls design, system analysis in both frequency domain and state space.


• Experience with both Fixed wing and Multi-rotor vehicles is a plus.


• Familiarity with robotic dynamics, aided inertial navigation, and simulation tools (Monte Carlo, hardware-in-the-loop, 6DOF).


• Ability to thrive and deliver in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where innovation is expected-and celebrated.


• Demonstrated initiative, ownership of technical outcomes, and a relentless drive for continuous improvement.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Familiar with office software and computer-based productivity tools. Demonstrated competence in engineering processes and design tools


• Knowledge of appropriate design and simulation tools and validation techniques


• Demonstrates strong communication (verbal & written), presentation and collaboration skills


• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties


• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives


• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products


• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company


• Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills with the ability to work well across disciplines. Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests


• Experience with target tracking, Autonomy/machine learning and ROS is a plus