Flight Controls Engineer

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero); San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays

Job summary

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is looking for an experienced Flight Controls Engineer in San Luis Obispo, CA. The role involves leading simulation and development of flight control systems for various aircraft configurations, supporting all design phases, and collaborating with engineering teams.

The candidate should have a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering and 2+ years of relevant experience, along with skills in complex aircraft dynamics and control systems. This full-time position offers a salary between $90,000 and $120,000 and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of flight controls and simulation engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of complex aircraft dynamics (aero, structures, control).
• Experience simulating nonlinear complex aircraft sub-systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop flight dynamics simulations for VTOL and conventional aircraft.
• Design and implement adaptive flight controls for aircraft systems.
• Support flight operations during testing, including pre-flight readiness.

Skills

Flight controls and simulation engineering experience

Understanding of complex aircraft dynamics

Experience in UAS and manned aircraft design

Familiarity with embedded real-time control system implementation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Overview

ESAero is seeking an experienced Flight Controls Engineer with fixed wing, rotorcraft, and flight test experience to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The engineer will lead and support the simulation and development of advanced control systems for conventional and unique configurations of aircraft including multi-propulsor eVTOL and CTOL aircraft at all scales, from VTOL sUAS to eVTOL manned platforms and research platforms. This is a multi-functional role that requires involvement in all phases of design and development of new platforms, collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop flight dynamics simulations ranging from conventional aircraft to complex VTOL with rotor dynamics.
• Design, develop, and implement optimal and adaptive flight controls and guidance laws for reconfigurable aircraft.
• Develop flight test maneuvers for system verification and identification.
• Conduct system identification in time and frequency domains.
• Support integration and testing of aircraft for flight test.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, software, systems engineering, and flight test teams to ensure successful integration of flight control systems within the overall aircraft architecture.
• Continuously improve processes, methods, and tools for flight control.
• Conduct peer reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Support flight operations during ground and flight test activities, including pre-flight readiness reviews, real-time test monitoring, post-flight analysis, and troubleshooting of flight control system issues.
• Participate in safety assessments, failure mode analyses, and system-level trade studies to ensure flight control architectures meet reliability, redundancy, and airworthiness requirements.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 2+ years of flight controls and simulation engineering experience.
• Experience in UAS and manned aircraft design.
• Strong understanding of complex aircraft dynamics (aero, structures, control).
• Experience simulating nonlinear complex aircraft sub-systems and systems.
• Experience with frequency and time-domain system analysis.
• Control system simulation, implementation, testing, and verification experience.
• Familiarity with embedded real-time control system implementation.
• Familiarity with system identification of aircraft from flight test.
• Fundamental understanding of other disciplines (Aerodynamics, Structures, Electrical Engineering, Embedded systems).

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience with nonlinear controls and analysis (adaptive control, neural networks, machine learning).
• Experience with embedded real-time control systems.
• Experience designing to FAA and Military standards relating to control system design for aircraft.
• Experience with system identification of aircraft from flight test.
• Experience with risk management.
• Familiarity with FAA and Military standards relating to control system design for aircraft.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $90,000 – $120,000 (Exempt).
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision plans; employer-paid life insurance; HSA; 401(k) with company match; paid holidays; and additional福利 as applicable.

Company Overview

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions. We specialize in system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. We invest in infrastructure to expand manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining high engineering standards.

Note: This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Equal Opportunity and Compliance

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer. E-Verify participation is required. Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States and be able to pass a background check.