Senior Flight Dynamics & Avionics Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Flight Dynamics & Avionics Engineer to serve as a hands‑on technical authority for our advanced UAV platforms in Bingen, WA or as part of our Engineering team in Grand Prairie, TX. The role bridges aerodynamics, embedded software, and real flight behavior to ensure our aircraft operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.

The Bingen, WA site is located in the Columbia River Gorge and offers flexibility and an innovative culture. Candidates from the DFW area will be expected to travel extensively to Bingen during the first 90 days.

Competitive base salary, incentive compensation, retirement savings plan, ESOP participation, paid time off, parental leave, comprehensive health, vision, dental, life, disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending accounts, Health Savings Accounts, 401(k), tuition assistance.

• Flight Dynamics, Performance & Control Analysis (30%)
  • 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, ensuring aircraft operate safely within aerodynamic and structural limits.
  • Contribute to defining and verifying performance requirements and mission‑level objectives.
  • Supports flight testing as required.
• Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Understanding and Refinement (30%)
  • 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, etc.).
  • Collaborate with software and flight test teams to ensure accurate implementation and documentation of GNC logic.
• Software & Avionics Comprehension (20%)
  • Own and continuously advance a comprehensive understanding of the autopilot and flight control software architecture, including embedded systems, control laws, and aircraft‑level integration.
  • Collaborate with embedded engineers to ensure correct integration and calibration of control laws.
  • Occasionally implement or prototype algorithm modifications and diagnostic tools using C/C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Electrical and Systems Integration (10%)
  • Interpret electrical wiring diagrams and avionics schematics to understand system interfaces and dependencies.
  • Support system integration and troubleshooting activities related to sensors, flight computers, and actuators.
  • Participate in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and bench‑level testing to validate overall flight system behavior.
• Documentation, Research & Continuous Improvement (10%)
  • Produce and maintain detailed technical documentation, including algorithm descriptions, test procedures, and performance reports.
  • Contribute to simulation model improvement and data processing workflows.
  • Stay informed on advances in UAV flight dynamics, GNC theory, and aeronautical system modeling.
  • Mentor junior engineers on principles of flight mechanics, stability, and control system design.

• BS in Aerospace Engineering, Avionics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Control Systems Engineering.
• 10+ years in aerospace, UAV, or flight control engineering.
• 5+ years hands‑on experience with flight data analysis and performance validation.
• Strong background in flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and aircraft performance analysis.
• Experience tuning or analyzing flight control and navigation algorithms.
• Familiarity with C/C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Understanding of embedded systems and avionics interfaces (CAN, UART, TCP/UDP, serial).
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and support hardware/software integration.
• Independent problem‑solving ability and strong…