Lead Flight Controls & Software Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Lead Flight Controls & Software Engineer (Aerospace): Developing flight control laws and embedded autopilot software for rapid-prototyping aircraft within Special Programs with an accent on flight dynamics modeling and stability assessment. Focus on end-to-end prototype development from concept simulation to hardware-in-the-loop and flight testing.

Location: San Jose, California, United States. Must be a U.S. Person (citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) and be able to obtain a U.S. government security clearance.

Salary: $138,200 - $190,100

Company

Aerospace company building all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for sustainable air mobility.

What you will do

• Lead flight control law design, analysis, and flight dynamics modeling for prototype vehicles.
• Develop embedded flight control and autopilot software from architecture through implementation and flight test support.
• Manage the flight controls and software discipline within Special Programs, setting technical approach and standards.
• Perform technical feasibility assessments for new opportunities, RFPs, and mission requirements.
• Conduct end-to-end rapid prototyping, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and flight tests.
• Collaborate with program leads and government stakeholders on design reviews and capture decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Controls, Electrical, or Computer Engineering.
• 8–12 years of relevant engineering experience, preferably in rapid-prototyping or advanced programs.
• Expertise in flight control law development, flight dynamics, and stability/control analysis for aerospace platforms.
• Proven experience developing embedded flight control or autopilot software.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR/EAR.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Culture & Benefits

• Pay-for-performance culture with rewards tied to company strategy.
• High degree of technical ownership and autonomy in a small, agile team.
• Opportunity to work on forward-looking defense efforts and advanced aircraft prototypes.
• Inclusive and equitable work environment dedicated to diversity.