Senior Flight Controls Engineer

Fruition Group; California (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High ownership and real-world impact

Work on aircrafts that fly, not just simulations

Join a deeply experienced team

Job summary

An aerospace technology company is seeking a Senior Flight Controls Engineer to design, implement, and validate flight control systems for large UAVs. This role involves collaborating with teams in aerodynamics, software, and flight testing. Candidates should have a Master's or PhD in a relevant engineering field, 3+ years of flight controls experience, and a strong foundation in flight dynamics. Join a dynamic team focused on creating next-generation aircrafts with real-world impact.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of flight controls experience.
• Strong background in flight dynamics and control theory.
• Experience with Fly-by-Wire systems and modern control architectures.

Responsibilities

• Design and tune flight control laws and autopilot architectures.
• Develop guidance, navigation, and state estimation algorithms.
• Plan and execute tests (MIL, SIL, HIL, ground, flight).
• Analyze flight data and support flight test campaigns.

Skills

Flight controls experience

Flight dynamics and control theory

Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++ proficiency

Python proficiency

Education

Master's or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering

Job description

We are partnering with a client developing next-generation, sustainable aircrafts that significantly reduce travel time on high-demand regional routes. The team combines deep aerospace expertise with rapid iteration, taking vehicles from simulation to flight with a strong focus on safety, performance, and certification. Aircrafts are already under contract with launch partners, with deployments beginning in late 2025.

About the Role

As a Senior Flight Controls Engineer, you will design, implement, and validate flight control systems for a large UAV. This is a hands-on role with direct impact on vehicle behaviour, working closely with aerodynamics, software, hardware, and flight test teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and tune flight control laws and autopilot architectures
• Develop guidance, navigation, and state estimation algorithms
• Build and maintain simulation models and test environments
• Plan and execute MIL, SIL, HIL, ground, and flight tests
• Analyze flight data and support flight test campaigns

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of flight controls experience
• Strong background in flight dynamics and control theory
• Experience with Fly-by-Wire systems and modern control architectures
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, and Python

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with VTOL or UAV platforms
• Familiarity with Embention flight computers
• Experience with system identification or control optimization tools
• Exposure to certification or safety-critical systems
• Hands-on HIL/SIL and flight test experience

Why Join

• Work on aircrafts that fly, not just simulations
• High ownership and real-world impact
• Join a deeply experienced, fast-moving aerospace team