Senior UAV Autonomy & Flight Controls Lead

University of Dayton Research Institute; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Dayton Research Institute seeks a Distinguished Flight Controls Engineer to lead autonomous flight control research for multi-vehicle UAS projects. You will guide conception, development, integration, and maturation of practical autonomy solutions and oversee technical directions across teams and partners.

The role requires 15+ years of research experience, expertise in flight control systems, OMS architecture, and a track record as a principal investigator or senior technical

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Flight Mechanics, Aerospace Engineering, Control Systems, or closely related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of research and development experience.
• Expertise in autonomous decision-making and control algorithms.
• Deep proficiency in flight control system design, verification, and real-time implementation.
• Experience with OMS architecture and OMS-compliant frameworks.
• Extensive hands-on experience planning and executing UAS flight tests.
• Proven PI/technical lead on complex autonomy or flight control programs.
• Ability to transition research concepts into fielded capabilities.
• Experience mentoring teams and shaping long-term research strategies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Collaborative across controls, software, sensing, AI/ML, modeling, and human–machine teaming.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead conception, development, integration, and maturation of autonomous flight control solutions for multi-vehicle systems.
• Provide strategic direction, technical oversight, and mentorship to project teams.
• Drive research initiatives and sustained autonomy investments across AFRL and partners.
• Coordinate across government, industry, and academia to advance UAV autonomy.
• Translate research concepts into viable field demonstrations and programs.

Skills

Flight control systems

Autonomous UAVs

Decision making in real time

Leadership and mentorship

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Strong written and oral communication

Systems integration

Human–machine teaming

Education

Ph.D. in Flight Mechanics

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering

Ph.D. in Control Systems

Tools

OMS architecture

Autonomy test environments

Job description

University of Dayton Research Institute seeks a Distinguished Flight Controls Engineer to lead autonomous flight control research for multi-vehicle UAS projects. You will guide conception, development, integration, and maturation of practical autonomy solutions and oversee technical directions across teams and partners.

The role requires 15+ years of research experience, expertise in flight control systems, OMS architecture, and a track record as a principal investigator or senior technical