Flight Controls Engineer

Robinson Unmanned; Wilmington (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Robinson Unmanned in Wilmington, MA is seeking a Flight Controls Engineer to advance our coaxial UAS. You will design control laws, develop simulators, and work with aerospace engineers.

The ideal candidate has a senior background in flight control systems, MATLAB, C/C++, experience with Kalman filters and onboard software, and a collaborative mindset to drive fast-paced projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering with 5+ years of post‑graduate flight control experience.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with flight dynamics and classical controls.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and C/C++ in embedded environments.
• Experience with ArduPilot, PX4 or equivalent open‑source autopilots.
• Knowledge of Kalman filters and sensor fusion techniques.
• Ability to work well in a fast‑paced, team environment and drive projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop control laws to maximize coaxial rotorcraft performance and build simulators.
• Plan and execute flight tests and analyze data to validate designs.
• Support customers integrating payloads and collaborate across engineering disciplines.

Skills

Analytical skills

Flight dynamics

Classical controls

Sensor fusion

Team player

Open-source autopilots

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

MATLAB

C/C++

ArduPilot

PX4

CIFER

CONDUIT

Job description

Robinson Unmanned (formerly Ascent AeroSystems) is the uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) business unit of Robinson Helicopter Company. Focused on designing and manufacturing all-weather, high-performance UAS from 249g to 1,500 pounds, Robinson Unmanned combines modular open system architecture, advanced autonomy technologies, and robust, full‑scale manufacturing expertise to deliver scalable, aerospace‑grade, unmanned VTOL capabilities across mission‑critical industrial, civil and defense markets, all while reducing human risk and increasing operational efficiencies.

As you consider your next career move…

• Do you want to develop mission‑critical software for aerial robotics used in real‑world operations?
• Are you excited by challenges that span embedded systems, ground control stations, and cloud‑connected mobile apps?
• Do you thrive in environments where your work directly impacts system‑level autonomy, performance, and safety?
• Are you looking to be part of a focused team advancing the future of UAV systems?

If this describes you, please read on!

We are on the lookout for a Flight Controls Engineer who will contribute deeply to the design of our next generation high‑performance coaxial drones. The ideal candidate is a roll‑up‑your‑sleeves, high energy, collaborative UAS enthusiast who works well on a team and individually. Reporting to the technical lead, this is role is full‑time position and based in our Wilmington, Massachusetts headquarters. Some domestic and international travel may be required.

This is a critical role for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, technical environment and is energized by building systems that work.

What You’ll Do

• Develop control laws to maximize the performance of coaxial rotorcraft and work with aerospace engineers to develop accurate simulators of rotorcraft physics and subsystems.
• Perform analysis to support design reviews, plan and execute flight tests, and analyze flight test data to validate control law designs.
• Provide support to customers integrating payloads or expanding drone capabilities and collaborate with other engineering disciplines in planning, design, and development of new products.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, with 5+ years of post‑graduate work experience working on flight control systems.
• Strong analytical skills,
• Background in flight dynamics, and classical controls, and
• Proficiency with MATLAB and C/C++ running on an embedded environment.
• Familiarity with system Identification and flight control design methods (familiarity or willingness to learn CIFER and CONDUIT tools).
• Strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills and customer focus who enjoys solving complex multi‑disciplinary problems in a fast‑paced environment.
• Familiarity with ArduPilot, PX4, or equivalent open‑source autopilots.
• Experience tuning control systems for electric powertrains and developing control laws for small rotorcraft.
• Familiarity with extended Kalman filters and other sensor fusion techniques.
• You know how to take the initiative to identify opportunities for improvement and drive projects forward with minimal supervision, demonstrating a keen ability to think strategically and execute tactically in a fast‑paced environment.

Must be authorized to work in the US.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Robinson Unmanned (formerly Ascent AeroSystems) designs and manufactures a family of rugged “coaxial” UAS for the industrial, public safety and defense markets. Robinson Unmanned supports frontline soldiers, first responders, and industrial professionals with the rugged and versatile unmanned aerial systems they need to complete critical missions when it matters most. Robinson Unmanned is founded on core principles of an innovative, determined, fearless, curious, and committed culture that fosters invention, problem solving and teamwork. Robinson Unmanned offers the ability to work at the leading edge of aerospace technology while benefitting from the experience and resources of one of the most respected names in aviation. For the right candidate, Robinson Unmanned offers a competitive salary, benefits (including health, dental and vision), 401(k), a terrific work environment, and the opportunity to be a part of one of the most exciting segments of the tech industry.

Robinson Unmanned is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.