Staff Flight Controls Engineer
Job Summary:
ESAero is seeking an experienced Staff Flight Controls Engineer with rotorcraft and flight test experience to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The engineer will lead and support the simulation and development of advanced control systems for unique configuration aircraft including multi-propulsor eVTOL and CTOL aircraft at all scales (VTOL sUAS to eVTOL manned platforms, research platforms, CTOL Distributed Electric Propulsion aircraft). This is a multi-functional role that will also require candidates to be involved in all phases of design and development of new platforms collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Development of complex VTOL flight dynamics simulations with high fidelity rotor dynamics
Design, development, and implementation of optimal and adaptive flight controls and guidance laws for reconfigurable aircraft
Development of flight test maneuvers for system verification and identification
System identification in time a frequency domain
Required Qualifications and Skills:
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 implementation of embedded real-time control system
Familiarity with system identification of aircraft from flight test
Familiarity with FAA and Military standards relating to the control system design for aircraft.
Familiarity with Risk Management
Fundamental understanding of other disciplines (Aerodynamics, Structures, Electrical Eng., Embedded systems)
Desired Qualifications and Skills:
Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent and
15+ years of flight controls and simulation engineering experience.
Experience with non-linear controls and analysis (adaptive control, neural networks, machine learning)
Experience with implementation of embedded real-time control systems
Experience designing to FAA and Military standards relating to the control system design for aircraft.
Experience with system identification of aircraft from flight test
Experience with Risk Management
Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:
Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!
Company Overview :
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.
At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel
the aerospace industry forward.
**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**
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ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participation required for employment.
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Must be able to pass background check.
Pay Range: $150,000- $200,000 Salary Exempt
Top Skills
What We Do
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero), an aerospace engineering design and manufacturing company, specializes in cost-effective development of innovative and advanced concepts, with emphasis on simple honesty and a track record of commitment. Since 2003, ESAero has served the needs of the engineering industry through its work on military and commercial conceptual air vehicle designs, electric and hybrid propulsion system development, aircraft modifications, sub-scale technology demonstrators, rapid system prototyping, design for manufacturing, low-rate initial production, manufacturing, and niche engineering support. An “Advanced Design Group to Advanced Design Groups”, ESAero is the Prime Contractor and Integrator of the NASA X-57 “Maxwell” all-electric airplane. ESAero customers include multiple NASA Centers, AFRL, AMRDEC, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Atomics, Electricore, and AeroVironment. With a 32,000 sq.ft. design & manufacturing facility located in San Luis Obispo, CA and an 8,000 sq.ft. integration and test location at the Oceano (CA) County Airport (L52), ESAero has expanded operations and airport space for system testing and product development. ESAero will continue to provide the aviation and aerospace industries with cutting-edge systems solutions and optimized manufacturing practices.
With an emphasis on quality, cost, and/or time, ESAero performs design, analytical, prototyping, and testing services for systems ranging from conceptual aerospace designs to aircraft seeking supplemental type certificates.
• Proven solutions that focus on the quality of results
• Rapid system development
• Hands-on development/testing to achieve customer goals
• “Out-of-the-Box” thinking and engineering
• Customized project plans structured for efficiency to meet larger program goals of cost or time
• On-demand niche engineering team to supplement ongoing projects
For more information, please visit our website at www.esaero.com or call (805) 275-1053.
