Flight Dynamics Controls Engineer

Allen Control Systems•San Francisco, CA

3d•$130,000 - $200,000

About The Position

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is seeking a Flight Dynamics & Controls Engineer to lead the aerodynamic modeling, flight control design, and system identification efforts for their high-performance fixed-wing UAV. This is an individual contributor position requiring deep expertise in both aeronautics and classical controls. ACS is a defense startup focused on developing an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems. Founded by experienced engineers with successful exits, ACS fosters an engineering-first culture that values technical excellence and innovation.

Requirements

Solid understanding of classical control theory, including when to apply advanced methods.
1+ years of relevant experience in controls, flight dynamics, or a closely related discipline including academic or hands-on hobbyist work.
Solid aeronautics knowledge covering fixed-wing stability, aerodynamic modeling, and flight mechanics.
Genuine depth in both aeronautics and controls disciplines.
Must be a genuine airplane nerd.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with missile guidance laws such as proportional navigation or pursuit control.
Proficiency in Python and/or C++.
Experience with system identification techniques applied to real flight data.
Background in navigation or guidance that would allow broader contribution to GNC work over time.

Responsibilities

Use aeronautical analysis tools such as AVL to build and refine aerodynamic models; improve the fidelity of our simulator’s aircraft model and physics engine.
Design, tune, and augment flight control laws based on aerodynamic models and flight test results; add standard fixed-wing control features including altitude and airspeed control loops, and waypoint following.
Design flight test maneuvers optimized for system identification and data collection; analyze flight data to close the loop between model predictions and real-world behavior.