Staff Flight Controls Engineer

1w1 week ago

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.

San Luis Obispo, US · Full-time · $160,000 – $220,000

About this role

ESAero seeks an experienced Staff Flight Controls Engineer with rotorcraft and flight test experience to join the team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The role involves leading and supporting simulation and development of advanced control systems for unique aircraft configurations, including multi-propulsor eVTOL and CTOL platforms at all scales from VTOL sUAS to manned eVTOL.

This multi-functional position requires involvement in all phases of design and development for new platforms. Engineers will develop complex VTOL flight dynamics simulations with high fidelity rotor dynamics and design optimal and adaptive flight controls for reconfigurable aircraft. Daily tasks include creating flight test maneuvers and performing system identification in time and frequency domains.

Collaboration with other engineering disciplines and project personnel is essential across aerodynamics, structures, and embedded systems. The role supports UAS and manned aircraft design while ensuring compliance with FAA and Military standards. Familiarity with risk management enhances multi-disciplinary integration.

Growth opportunities arise through hands-on work on innovative research platforms and distributed electric propulsion aircraft. Engineers advance skills in non-linear controls, embedded real-time systems, and flight test verification. This position offers exposure to cutting-edge eVTOL technologies and comprehensive project leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent
10+ years of flight controls and simulation engineering experience
Experience in UAS and manned aircraft design
Proven understanding of complex aircraft dynamics (aero, structures, control)
Experience simulating non-linear complex aircraft sub-systems and systems
Experience with frequency and time domain system analysis
Control system simulation, implementation, test, and verification experience
Familiarity with FAA and Military standards relating to control system design for aircraft

Responsibilities

Develop complex VTOL flight dynamics simulations with high fidelity rotor dynamics
Design, develop, and implement optimal and adaptive flight controls and guidance laws for reconfigurable aircraft
Develop flight test maneuvers for system verification and identification
Perform system identification in time and frequency domain
Lead simulation and development of advanced control systems for eVTOL and CTOL aircraft
Support flight testing and verification of control systems
Collaborate with aerodynamics, structures, and embedded systems teams on new platforms
Implement embedded real-time control systems for unique aircraft configurations

Benefits

Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families
120 hours of PTO: 80 hours accrued plus 40 hours of holiday break pay, in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off
$25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with option to purchase additional coverage for employees and families
Optional supplemental benefits: Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage