Flight Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Flight Controls Engineer

You'll figure out why an unmanned helicopter flew the way it did, then fix it. The work sits between flight dynamics, GNC, software, and avionics. You'll pull data from flights, check it against the models, decide whether a problem comes from the model, the tuning, or the system, and push changes that get proven out on the next flight. The job starts mostly on site for flight tests and integration, then moves to hybrid. It's a contract with the chance to extend and convert to full time.

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What you'll do

• Compare flight data to the models and explain what matched, what didn't, and why
• Tune control and navigation behavior for attitude, position, and mission control so the aircraft is more stable, more responsive, and safer to fly
• Check how the control laws hold up across flight conditions and adjust parameters as needed
• Model flight mechanics, including aerodynamic loads, stability, and control response, and use that to predict performance
• Track performance numbers like endurance, climb rate, turn capability, and control authority against mission goals
• Help expand the flight envelope while keeping the aircraft inside its aerodynamic and structural limits
• Assess how well the sensor fusion works across the IMU, GPS, air data, magnetometer, and other onboard sensors
• Learn the autopilot and flight control software well enough to trace how the algorithms run and how software and hardware interact
• Work with the embedded team to make sure control laws are integrated and calibrated correctly, and prototype changes or diagnostic tools in C, C++, Python, or MATLAB and Simulink when needed
• Read wiring diagrams and avionics schematics to understand interfaces and where things can fail, and help troubleshoot sensors, flight computers, and actuators
• Take part in hardware in the loop, software in the loop, and bench testing
• Support flight tests before, during, and after, including travel to the test site
• Write up findings, test procedures, and algorithm descriptions so other engineers can build on them
• Mentor junior engineers on flight mechanics and control design

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Skills & Experience

Required

• Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Avionics, Electrical, or Control Systems Engineering
• At least 10 years in aerospace, UAV, or flight control work
• At least 5 years analyzing flight data and validating performance
• Strong skills in flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and aircraft performance
• Experience tuning or analyzing flight control and navigation algorithms
• Working knowledge of C, C++, Python, and MATLAB and Simulink
• Understanding of embedded systems and avionics interfaces such as CAN, UART, serial, and TCP and UDP
• Able to read electrical schematics and support hardware and software integration
• Able to turn what you see in flight data into concrete control system changes
• Clear writer and communicator across engineering disciplines
• Able to travel for flight tests

Preferred

• PX4, ArduPilot, or a proprietary autopilot
• Hardware in the loop and safety critical systems
• DO-178C or similar aerospace software standards
• Hands on UAV flight testing and post flight data processing
• Ground control station software or simulation tools
• Controller design, stability analysis, and tuning for UAVs
• Flight test planning, including objectives, test points, and pass criteria
• GPS and inertial sensors inside an integrated avionics setup
• Defining and expanding the flight envelope on new aircraft

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Skip the wait. Book 15 minutes with me and I'll walk you through the pay, the team, and whether this is worth your time. Book a quick call

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Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Bingen, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $147846.00 - $236317.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Bingen,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on us.fitly.work for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.