Flight Control Laws Design

PDS Defense, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct deposit

401(k)

Paid holidays

Short-term disability

Skills training

Employee referral bonus

Affordable medical coverage

DailyPay

Job summary

PDS Defense, Inc. in Wichita, KS is seeking a senior Flight Control Laws Designer to advance CLaws for FBW systems in R&D. You will develop, validate, and deliver CLaws and related requirements using Matlab, Simulink, and C++.

The role requires depth in control theory, flight dynamics, and rigorous V&V under DO-178B standards. Ideal candidates hold 10+ years of experience, fluent French/English, and can collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and performance across aircraft

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Flight Control Laws for FBW aircraft.
• Strong background in aircraft flight dynamics and aerodynamics.
• Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink and C++ programming.
• Knowledge of DO-178B standards and system verification.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve CLaws design and assessment tools using Matlab and C++.
• Support CLaws, autopilot, and navigation design for R&D projects.
• Develop CLaws and systems requirements and validation methods.
• Perform CLaws V&V for updates and new designs.
• Deliver CLaws in accordance with DO-178B and ARP 4754.
• Design pilot-in-the-loop CLaws based on handling and performance requirements.
• Evaluate CLaws and FBW system stability using analyses and flight data.
• Integrate CLAWS into test rigs and supplier hardware.

Skills

Matlab

Simulink

C++ programming

Flight dynamics

Control systems design

Kalman filtering

French language

English language

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

DO-178B

Job description

Engineering

Flight Control Laws Design Wichita, KS Posted: 5/7/2026

Job Description

Job ID#:

217699

Job Category:

Engineering

Position Type:

Associate - W2

Shift:

1

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Flight Control Laws Design, in Wichita, KS. Job ID#217699

Job Description

Develop and improve both new and existing CLaws design as well the corresponding assessment tools using Matlab and C++ programming

Support CLaws, autopilot, and navigation design development for R&D projects

Develop CLaws and systems requirements

Perform CLaws requirements validation and verification (V&V) for any Claws updates and/or new Claws designs

Verify and deliver the CLaws in accordance with the DO-178B standard and SAE ARP 4754

Design and develop pilot in the loop CLaws based on handling quality requirements, flight and structural envelope protection requirements, performance requirements, test pilot assessments and aircraft level requirements

Evaluate CLaws and FBW system failures, system stability and performance with analytical methods, desktop simulations, pilot in the loop simulator tests and flight test data

Support integration of CLAWS into various test rigs and supplier hardware (i.e. integrate into PFCC for Collins, Thales, NRC, CMC, etc)

How to thrive in this role?

You hold a bachelor's or master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, PhD degree is preferred in Aerospace Engineering

You must have a minimum of 10 years of pertinent experience in the development of Flight Control Laws for FBW (Fly-By-Wire) aircraft

You must be versed in aircraft flight dynamics with an in depth understanding of aerodynamics

You must be versed in "classical" and “modern” control systems design techniques for SISO and MIMO systems and be familiar with advanced control laws techniques and methods

You must have good understanding of control law evaluation techniques, linear and non-linear and testing procedures

You must have a good understanding of aircraft stability, handling qualities, and control with a pilot-in-the-loop

You should have a good understanding of DO-178B standards, system requirements verification and validation methods and certification of complex software

You must be proficient in using Matlab and Simulink as a simulation, aircraft/system modeling and control law development tool

You should possess a good understanding of state estimation or Kalman filtering

You should be proficient in programming Matlab scripts and C++ programming

You must be fluent in written and spoken French and English

You must be a team player with an innovative spirit, motivated and be able to work independently

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations).

Job Requirements

Minimum Security Clearance:

No Clearance

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled