Senior Flight Controls Engineer - VTOL/GNC & Simulation

Shieldai; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Performance Bonus

Health Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a seasoned flight controls/GNC engineer to own the XBAT flight control system, ensuring stable performance across all flight phases. You will lead high-fidelity 6DOF simulations, verification campaigns, and rapid iteration between simulations and flight testing.

The role requires 10+ years in flight controls, strong C++/Python, and the ability to obtain U.S. security clearance; VTOL experience is a plus. Shield AI offers equity and robust benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of flight controls/GNC on real flight vehicles with ownership from design to flight test.
• Proficiency in C++, MATLAB/Simulink, and/or Python with real-time algorithm deployment.
• U.S. security clearance ability; S//SAR desired.
• VTOL/transition aircraft experience with control blending/allocation considerations.
• Autonomous systems or missile/UAV GNC background is preferred.
• Experience with flight safety, airworthiness, and mission assurance.
• Familiar with sensor/air data systems and fault-tolerant or adaptive control; CI/CD awareness.

Responsibilities

• Own the flight control system across all flight phases with robust performance.
• Develop high-fidelity 6DOF simulation environments and preflight predictions.
• Define verification strategy including Monte Carlo analysis and HIL validation.
• Diagnose simulation-to-flight mismatches and dynamic modeling gaps.
• Support flight test operations and drive rapid iteration between flights.
• Integrate control with propulsion, aerodynamics, sensors, and state estimation.
• Mentor engineers and set technical standards for control system rigor.

Skills

Flight controls

GNC

Control theory

6DOF simulation

C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Tools

Git

Linux

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

Shield AI seeks a seasoned flight controls/GNC engineer to own the XBAT flight control system, ensuring stable performance across all flight phases. You will lead high-fidelity 6DOF simulations, verification campaigns, and rapid iteration between simulations and flight testing.

The role requires 10+ years in flight controls, strong C++/Python, and the ability to obtain U.S. security clearance; VTOL experience is a plus. Shield AI offers equity and robust benefits.