Flight Controls Engineer — Data-Driven UAV Performance

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

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.