Senior Research Engineer

V2Soft; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

V2Soft is seeking a Flight Control Research Engineer to join the Client Mothership Project in Michigan. You will design and validate flight control algorithms for tethered and untethered lightweight flying mobility vehicles, run simulations, and drive prototypes from lab to wind tunnel and real-world flight testing.

PhD in a related field is required; a Master’s degree with significant relevant experience will also be considered.

Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics or closely related field (Master's with significant relevant experience considered).
• Strong research background in flight control systems for multi-rotor drones and fixed-wing aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate robust flight control algorithms for tethered and untethered lightweight flying mobility vehicles with electric propulsion.
• Improve, optimize, and maintain multi-body simulation models for accurate performance predictions.
• Provide hands-on engineering support during wind tunnel evaluations and live flight tests, analyzing data to iterate on designs.
• Support development, testing, and integration of sensor systems.

Skills

Flight control research

Embedded systems

Raspberry Pi/Arduino

MPC, sensor fusion, EKF

Education

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Robotics

Master's with relevant experience

Tools

Multi-body simulation tools

Job description

V2Soft is a global leader in IT services and business solutions, delivering innovative and cost-effective technology solutions worldwide since 1998. We have headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, MI and have 16 offices spread across six countries. We partner with Fortune 500 companies to address complex business challenges. Our services span AI, IT staffing, cloud computing, engineering, mobility, testing, and more. Certified with CMMI Level 3 and ISO standards, V2Soft is committed to quality and security. Beyond our work, we actively support local communities and non-profits, reflecting our core values. Join us to be part of a dynamic and impactful global company!

Flight Control Research Engineer

Description:

About the Role: We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Flight Control Research Engineer to join the Client Mothership Project. In this role, you will play a critical part in the research and development of next-generation flying mobility solutions. You will focus on designing advanced flight control algorithms, running complex simulations, and taking your work from the lab through prototyping, wind tunnel evaluations, and real-world flight testing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and validate robust flight control algorithms for tethered and untethered lightweight flying mobility vehicles equipped with electric propulsion systems.
• Improve, optimize, and maintain multi-body simulation models to ensure accurate performance predictions.
• Provide hands‑on engineering support during wind tunnel evaluations and live flight tests, analyzing data to iterate on designs.
• Support the development, testing, and integration of sensor systems.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a closely related field (a Master's degree with significant relevant experience will also be considered).
• Strong research background and proven experience in flight control systems for both multi-rotor drones and fixed-wing aircraft.
• Practical experience working with embedded systems and microcontrollers (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino). Highly Desired Qualifications:
• Experience with Model Predictive Control (MPC), sensor fusion, and Extended Kalman Filters (EKF).
• Hands‑on experience in the end-to‑end development, building, and piloting of RC airplanes and custom drones.

V2Soft is an Equal Opportunity Employer ( EOE). We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

https://www.v2soft.com/careers - to view all of our open opportunities and to learn more about our benefits.