Flight Controls Engineer

Job Title

Flight Controls Engineer

Location

Bingen, Washington, Hybrid

Pay Range

$69.00 to $84.13 per hour

Job Summary

We are seeking a Flight Controls Engineer to analyze real flight data, compare it to flight models, and help explain why a UAV behaves the way it does in testing and operation. This role focuses on improving aircraft performance by refining flight dynamics models, tuning control and navigation behavior, and supporting safe, informed engineering decisions. The position works across flight dynamics, guidance, navigation and control, software, and avionics, with a strong emphasis on practical problem solving and clear technical documentation. This is a contract opportunity with potential for extension or conversion to full-time employment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze UAV flight mechanics, including aerodynamic forces, stability, and control response.
• Compare flight test data to aerodynamic and performance models to validate behavior and identify discrepancies.
• Evaluate and refine flight performance metrics such as endurance, climb rate, turn capability, and control authority.
• Support flight envelope expansion while helping ensure safe operation within aerodynamic and structural limits.
• Contribute to defining and verifying performance requirements and mission-level objectives.
• Review, document, and tune existing flight control and navigation algorithms for attitude, position, and mission control.
• Analyze control law performance in different flight conditions and adjust parameters to improve stability and response.
• Investigate unexpected aircraft behavior through data analysis, theoretical review, and numerical analysis.
• Assess estimation and sensor fusion performance for systems such as IMU, GPS, air data, and magnetometers.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of autopilot and flight control software architecture, including embedded systems and aircraft-level integration.
• Collaborate with software and embedded engineering teams to support implementation, calibration, and verification of control laws.
• Prototype or modify algorithms and diagnostic tools using C, C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink as needed.
• Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and avionics interfaces to understand system dependencies and troubleshoot issues.
• Support integration and testing of sensors, flight computers, actuators, and related avionics components.
• Participate in hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, and bench testing to validate overall system behavior.
• Produce technical documentation, including algorithm descriptions, test procedures, performance reports, and data analysis summaries.
• Contribute to simulation model improvements and data processing workflows.
• Mentor less experienced engineers on flight mechanics, stability, and control system design principles.
• Support flight testing as needed, including travel for on-site test activities.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree 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.
• Experienced in flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and aircraft performance analysis.
• Experience tuning or analyzing flight control and navigation algorithms.
• Proficiency with C, C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink for analysis, prototyping, simulation, or documentation.
• Understanding of embedded systems and avionics interfaces such as CAN, UART, serial, and TCP/UDP.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and support hardware and software integration.
• Strong understanding of aircraft dynamics, stability and control, and flight performance principles.
• Ability to translate flight observations into actionable control system improvements.
• Strong communication and technical documentation skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed for flight tests.

Preferred

• Experience with autopilot frameworks such as PX4, ArduPilot, or proprietary systems.
• Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop environments and safety-critical systems.
• Experience with software-in-the-loop testing.
• Knowledge of aerospace software certification standards such as DO-178C.
• Hands-on experience with UAV flight testing and flight data post-processing.
• Familiarity with Ground Control Station software or simulation environments.
• Experience with control system design for UAVs or other aerospace platforms.

Work Environment or Schedule

• Hybrid work arrangement.
• The role begins with a strong on-site presence and may transition to hybrid work with on-site support as needed for integration and flight testing.
• Travel is required as needed for flight tests.

Additional Information

• Contract position, 6 months, with a strong possibility of extension beyond the initial term and potential conversion to a full-time position. This role supports a growing area of the business with long-term opportunity.
• 1 opening available.
• Start date: May 17, 2026.
• BG check required.
• Drug test required.

This is a Contract position based out of Bingen, WA.

The pay range for this position is $69.00 - $84.13/hr.

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. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Bingen,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.