Senior Flight Dynamics & Avionics Engineer

Job Description Airbus is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as an Equal Opportunity Employer to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation to complete your application, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io We are seeking a Senior Flight Dynamics & Avionics Engineer to serve as a hands‑on technical authority for our advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms in Bingen, WA. In this role, you won’t just be designing abstract concepts—you will bridge the gap between aerodynamics, embedded software, and real flight behavior to ensure our aircraft operate safely, efficiently, and reliably. Meet the Team: The Airbus Helicopters Flexrotor Program offers one of the most sophisticated small tactical unmanned aerial systems (STUAS) with vertical take‑off and landing (VTOL). It can be used day or night by US and allied forces for a diverse range of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) on land and at sea. Your Working Environment: Nestled in the heart of the spectacular Columbia River Gorge in Bingen, WA, our workplace offers innovation and the ability to contribute to game‑changing solutions while enjoying the flexibility to spread your wings. Benefits and Compensation Competitive base salary, incentive compensation, retirement savings plan, and ESOP participation. Paid time off, including personal time, holidays, and generous paid parental leave. Comprehensive health coverage: medical, high‑deductible plans, prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and supplemental benefits. Additional benefits: tuition assistance, performance‑based bonuses, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, 401(k) plan. Flight Dynamics, Performance & Control Analysis (30%) Analyze and model UAV flight mechanics, including aerodynamic forces, stability, and control response. Evaluate and refine flight performance metrics such as endurance, climb rate, turn capability, and control authority. Correlate flight test data with aerodynamic and performance models to validate system behavior and identify discrepancies. Support flight envelope expansion, ensuring aircraft operate safely within aerodynamic and structural limits. Contribute to defining and verifying performance requirements and mission‑level objectives. Support flight testing as required. Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Understanding and Refinement (30%) Review, document, and tune existing control and navigation algorithms for attitude, position, and mission control. Analyze control law performance under various flight conditions and refine parameters for improved stability and response. Investigate and explain observed flight behaviors through theoretical and numerical analysis. Support estimation and sensor fusion performance assessment (IMU, GPS, air data, magnetometer, etc.). Collaborate with software and flight test teams to ensure accurate implementation and documentation of GNC logic. Software & Avionics Comprehension (20%) Own and continuously advance a comprehensive understanding of the autopilot and flight control software architecture, including embedded systems, control laws, and aircraft‑level integration. Interpret and document algorithmic flow and software‑hardware interactions. Collaborate with embedded engineers to ensure correct integration and calibration of control laws. Occasionally implement or prototype algorithm modifications and diagnostic tools using C/C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink. Electrical and Systems Integration (10%) Interpret electrical wiring diagrams and avionics schematics to understand system interfaces and dependencies. Support system integration and troubleshooting activities related to sensors, flight computers, and actuators. Participate in hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL), software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL), and bench‑level testing to validate overall flight system behavior. Documentation, Research & Continuous Improvement (10%) Produce and maintain detailed technical documentation, including algorithm descriptions, test procedures, and performance reports. Contribute to simulation model improvement and data processing workflows. Stay informed on advances in UAV flight dynamics, GNC theory, and aeronautical system modeling. Mentor junior engineers on principles of flight mechanics, stability, and control system design. Qualifications B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Avionics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Control Systems Engineering. Ten (10)+ years of experience in aerospace, UAV, or flight control engineering. Five (5)+ years of hands‑on experience with flight data analysis and performance validation. Strong background in flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and aircraft performance analysis. Demonstrated knowledge of tuning or analyzing flight control and navigation algorithms. Familiarity with C/C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink for analysis, documentation, or prototyping. Understanding of embedded systems and avionics interfaces (CAN, UART, TCP/UDP, serial). Ability to interpret electrical schematics and support hardware/software integration. Good understanding of embedded systems and software development practices, with demonstrated ability to solve technical problems with little supervision. Strong understanding of aircraft dynamics, stability & control, and flight performance principles. Skilled in data analysis, simulation, and model correlation using real flight data. Excellent ability to translate flight observations into actionable control system improvements. Strong communication and documentation skills for technical and multidisciplinary collaboration. Experience with Microsoft Visual Studio, source control (Git or GitLab). Additional Requirements Travel: 10% domestic and international. Citizenship: Must be a US Person under ITAR definition. Physical Requirements Vision: Able to see and read computer screens and engineering drawings daily. Hearing: Able to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone. Speaking: Able to speak in conversations and meetings. Equipment operation: Able to operate office and personal electronic equipment and some tools, including production tools. Carrying and lifting: Able to carry and lift documents, tools, drawings, and electronic equipment up to 30 lbs daily. Pushing/pulling: Able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment daily. Sitting: Able to sit for long periods of time in meetings and on the computer. Standing, squatting/kneeling: Able to stand and retrieve items stored on low shelving. Walking: Able to walk through office and production areas, including uneven surfaces. Personal protective equipment: Safety shoes, glasses, hearing protection, respirators/masks, and/or gloves as required. Salary Range $147k to $236k per year, based on experience and geographic differential. Legal and Equal Opportunity Statement Airbus provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Protective Measures Airbus is not a sponsor of visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenure or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will. #J-18808-Ljbffr Airbus