Flight Controls Engineer

Staff Flight Controls Engineer – Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero)

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 simulation and development of advanced control systems for unique configuration aircraft including multi‑propulsor eVTOL and CTOL aircraft at all scales, from VTOL sUAS to eVTOL manned platforms, research platforms, and CTOL distributed electric propulsion aircraft.

This is a multi‑functional role that requires involvement in all phases of design and development of new platforms, collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel.

• 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 domains.

• 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 nonlinear complex aircraft subsystems 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 systems.
• Familiarity with system identification of aircraft from flight test.
• Familiarity with FAA and Military standards related to control system design for aircraft.
• Familiarity with risk management.
• Fundamental understanding of other disciplines (aerodynamics, structures, electrical engineering, embedded systems).

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 15+ years of flight controls and simulation engineering experience.
• Experience with nonlinear 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 related to control system design for aircraft.
• Experience with system identification of aircraft from flight test.
• Experience with risk management.

• 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: 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay, and paid time off for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer‑paid life insurance policy, with an optional purchase of additional coverage.
• Supplemental Coverage:
  Optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA):
  Tax‑advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match.
• Paid Holidays: 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Work Environment:
  Casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Location:
  
  Work in an area with an outstanding quality of life – a perfect place to live, work, and play.

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. We commit to excellence, on‑time delivery, and continuous growth, investing in infrastructure to expand 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.

Pay Range: $150,000–$200,000 (Salary Exempt, DOE)

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Sales, General Business, and Education

Wireless Services, Telecommunications, and Communications Equipment Manufacturing

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 a background check.