Sr. Flight Controls Engineer
Bingen, WA (onsite, with relocation assistance provided)
$177-207k
Direct Hire
Job Summary
This engineer analyzes real flight data, compares it to flight models, and works out why the aircraft behaves the way it does. Youll tune and evaluate flight control and navigation behavior on unmanned aircraft and work across flight dynamics, GNC, software, and avionics. Youll be the person the team turns to when the aircraft didnt behave as expected, helping them make informed, safe decisions and documenting findings so others can rely on them later.
Responsibilities
- 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 so the aircraft operates safely within aerodynamic and structural limits.
- Help define and verify performance requirements and mission level objectives.
- Support flight testing as required.
- 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).
- Collaborate with software and flight test teams to ensure accurate implementation and documentation of GNC logic.
- Build and maintain a full 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 and hardware interactions.
- Collaborate with embedded engineers on the integration and calibration of control laws.
- Implement or prototype algorithm changes and diagnostic tools in C/C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink as needed.
- Interpret electrical wiring diagrams and avionics schematics to understand system interfaces and dependencies.
- Support integration and troubleshooting of sensors, flight computers, and actuators.
- Take part in hardware in the loop (HIL), software in the loop (SIL), and bench level testing to validate flight system behavior.
- Produce and maintain technical documentation, including algorithm descriptions, test procedures, and performance reports.
- Contribute to simulation model improvement and data processing workflows.
- Mentor junior engineers on flight mechanics, stability, and control system design.
Qualifications
Required
- B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Avionics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Control Systems Engineering.
- 10+ years of experience in aerospace, UAV, or flight control engineering.
- 5+ years of hands on experience with flight data analysis and performance validation.
- Strong history in flight mechanics, aerodynamics, stability and control, and aircraft performance analysis.
- Demonstrated knowledge tuning or analyzing flight control and navigation algorithms.
- Skilled in data analysis, simulation, and model correlation using real flight data.
- Ability to turn flight observations into concrete control system improvements proven through flight test.
- Familiarity with C/C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink for analysis, documentation, or prototyping.
- Understanding of embedded systems, software development practices, and avionics interfaces (CAN, UART, TCP/UDP, serial).
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics and support hardware and software integration.
- Strong communication and documentation skills for multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Ability to solve technical problems with little supervision.
- Ability to travel as needed for flight tests.
Preferred
- Aero database development from wind tunnel, CFD, or flight test data.
- Stability and control derivative estimation.
- System identification on flight test data using SIDPAC or CIFER.
- Handling qualities or flying qualities analysis.
- Experience with autopilot frameworks such as PX4, ArduPilot, or proprietary systems.
- Exposure to hardware in the loop (HIL) environments and safety critical systems.
- Knowledge of aerospace software certification standards such as DO-178C.
- Hands on UAV flight testing and flight data post processing.
- Familiarity with Ground Control Station (GCS) software or simulation environments.
Work Environment or Schedule
This is onsite in Bingen, WA with $10k in relocation assistance provided if necessary. Travel is required as needed to support flight tests. The work supports a new program in unmanned helicopters.
Additional Information
This is an ITAR compliant site, applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. A drug test and history check are required.
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Pay and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $177-207k.
We reserve the right to pay above or below the posted wage based on factors unrelated to sex, race, or any other protected classification.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. This role is eligible for the following:
- Medical, Dental & Vision, with coverage starting on your hire date and no waiting period
- 401(k)/Roth with a 100% match on the first 5% you contribute, starting with your first contribution and fully vested from day one
- An additional company contribution targeted at 5% of pay each year after two years of service, whether or not you contribute to the 401(k)
- Company paid life insurance at 3x annual salary, up to $1,000,000
- Company paid disability insurance
- Employee stock purchase plan at a 40% discount, offered each year, with shares held for 36 months
- Annual performance bonus based on company performance
- 13 paid holidays each year
- Up to 7 personal days, or 56 hours, each year, prorated based on hire date
- Vacation of 15 days a year from hire through 3 years, 20 days a year from 3 to 9 years, and 25 days a year at 10+ years
- A company wide paid shutdown between Christmas and New Years that doesnt come out of your vacation or personal time
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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Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Bingen, WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Bingen,WA.
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 without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall 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 applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
