Flight Dynamics Controls Engineer

Allen Control Systems; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Allen Control Systems is seeking a Flight Dynamics & Controls Engineer to own aerodynamic modeling, flight control design, and system identification for a high-performance fixed-wing UAV.

This individual contributor role requires deep aeronautics and classical controls expertise, with experience in flight dynamics, data analysis, and flight testing. The team emphasizes engineering rigor and real-world impact.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of classical control theory, including when to apply advanced methods.
• Solid aeronautics knowledge covering fixed-wing stability, aerodynamic modeling, and flight mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Use aeronautical analysis tools such as AVL to build and refine aerodynamic models; improve the fidelity of our simulator’s aircraft model and physics engine.
• Design, tune, and augment flight control laws based on aerodynamic models and flight test results; add standard fixed-wing control features including altitude and airspeed control loops, and waypoint following.
• Design flight test maneuvers optimized for system identification and data collection; analyze flight data to close the loop between model predictions and real-world behavior.

Skills

Classical control theory

Aeronautics knowledge

Python

C++

System identification

Missile guidance concepts

Tools

AVL

Job description

Company Overview

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones.

With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders’ successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.

About The Role

We are looking for a Flight Dynamics & Controls Engineer to own the aerodynamic modeling, flight control design, and system identification work for our high-performance fixed-wing UAV. This is an individual contributor role for someone with genuine depth in both aeronautics and classical controls.

What You’ll Do

• Use aeronautical analysis tools such as AVL to build and refine aerodynamic models; improve the fidelity of our simulator’s aircraft model and physics engine.

• Design, tune, and augment flight control laws based on aerodynamic models and flight test results; add standard fixed-wing control features including altitude and airspeed control loops, and waypoint following.

• Design flight test maneuvers optimized for system identification and data collection; analyze flight data to close the loop between model predictions and real-world behavior.

What You’ll Need

• Solid understanding of classical control theory, including when to apply advanced methods; 1+ years of relevant experience in controls, flight dynamics, or a closely related discipline including academic or hands-on hobbyist work.

• Solid aeronautics knowledge covering fixed-wing stability, aerodynamic modeling, and flight mechanics; this role requires genuine depth in both disciplines and we are looking for someone who is genuinely an airplane nerd.

You’ll Stand Out

• Familiarity with missile guidance laws such as proportional navigation or pursuit control.

• Proficiency in Python and/or C++; we weight aero and controls depth heavily over software skills, but the ability to implement your own work is a meaningful plus.

• Experience with system identification techniques applied to real flight data.

• Background in navigation or guidance that would allow broader contribution to GNC work over time.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary

• ACS Equity Package

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. #LI-AS1