Flight Controls Engineer

Actalent; Bingen (WA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 236,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks a seasoned Controls Engineer to analyze real flight data, compare it to flight models, and diagnose aircraft behavior. You will tune flight control and navigation systems while collaborating with flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, and control, software, and avionics teams.

The role emphasizes documenting findings for future reference and supporting safe decisions about aircraft performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in aerospace/avionics/electrical/control systems engineering.
• 10+ years in aerospace/UAV/flight-control engineering.
• 5+ years in flight data analysis and performance validation.
• Strong knowledge of flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and aircraft performance analysis.
• Proficiency in tuning or analyzing flight control and navigation algorithms.
• Familiarity with C/C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Understanding of embedded systems and avionics interfaces (CAN, UART, TCP/UDP, serial).
• Willingness to travel for flight tests.

Responsibilities

• Analyze real flight data and compare it to flight models.
• Diagnose and explain aircraft behavior, both expected and unexpected.
• Tune and evaluate flight control and navigation systems.
• Collaborate with teams across flight dynamics, GNC, software, and avionics.
• Make informed decisions about aircraft behavior and performance.
• Document findings for team use.

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Avionics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Control Systems Engineering

Tools

C/C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

CAN

UART

TCP/UDP

Serial

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated Controls Engineer who will play a critical role in analyzing real flight data and comparing it to flight models. This position involves diagnosing aircraft behavior, tuning flight control and navigation systems, and collaborating across various domains such as flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), software, and avionics. The ideal candidate will help the team make informed and safe decisions regarding aircraft performance while documenting findings for future reference.

Responsibilities

• Analyze real flight data and compare it to flight models.
• Diagnose and explain aircraft behavior, both expected and unexpected.
• Tune and evaluate flight control and navigation systems.
• Collaborate with teams across flight dynamics, GNC, software, and avionics.
• Make informed decisions about aircraft behavior and performance.
• Clearly document findings for team use.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Avionics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Control Systems Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, UAV, or flight control engineering.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience with flight data analysis and performance validation.
• Strong knowledge in flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and aircraft performance analysis.
• Proficiency in tuning or analyzing flight control and navigation algorithms.
• Familiarity with C/C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Understanding of embedded systems and avionics interfaces (CAN, UART, TCP/UDP, serial).
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and support hardware/software integration.
• Willingness to travel as needed for flight tests.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, and other autopilot frameworks.
• Knowledge of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing.
• Understanding of DO-178C and safety‑critical systems.
• Experience with Ground Control Station (GCS) and UAV flight testing.
• Proficiency in control system design.

Work Environment

The position will initially require heavy on-site presence, with the potential to transition to a hybrid or remote setup if the candidate demonstrates effective performance. This role offers the opportunity to pioneer in a new space of unmanned helicopters.

• Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Bingen, WA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $147846.00 - $236317.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

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Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bingen,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.