The Sr. Engineer, Control Laws (CLAWS) & Handling Qualities Engineer supports air vehicle design, simulation, component test, and flight test activities through flight dynamics analysis, control law assessment, and handling qualities evaluation. This role executes CLAWS model development, simulation integration, and handling qualities assessment throughout development stages as part of the Flight Sciences team. The engineer collaborates regularly with other groups in Supernal.

Responsibilities

Review and assess flight control law behavior, control modes, gain schedules, and closed loop aircraft response
Use flight dynamics models and simulation results to evaluate stability, controllability, handling qualities, and aircraft response characteristics
Support analysis of stability augmentation, attitude hold, envelope protection, mode transition, and selected failure mode behavior
Document technical findings, risks, assumptions, and recommendations for design reviews and technical discussions
Support handling qualities evaluations using simulation results, pilot feedback, flight dynamics analysis, and applicable industry guidance
Assist in defining evaluation maneuvers, simulation cases, assessment criteria, and data review methods
Support pilot in the loop simulation activities to assess vehicle response, workload, controllability, and pilot vehicle interaction
Provide technical input to aircraft level design decisions influenced by handling qualities or pilot vehicle interaction
Support the development, maintenance, and use of flight simulation environments for CLAWS and handling qualities evaluations
Review simulation model assumptions, control law integration, interfaces, and model fidelity for aircraft response assessment
Support requirement verification activities using analysis, simulation, ground test data, and flight test data
Assist with test planning, preflight simulation, and post test data review related to control law and handling qualities evaluations
Work with other groups in Supernal to support integrated aircraft level technical reviews
Support multidisciplinary trade studies where control law behavior, vehicle dynamics, or handling qualities affect aircraft design decisions
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of Flight Sciences and aircraft development activities

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control systems engineering, or a related technical field required
Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience
Experience in flight dynamics, flight controls, control law analysis, handling qualities evaluation, aircraft simulation, or flight test support
Experience using MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, simulation, control law integration, or dynamic system analysis
Experience developing, using, or reviewing engineering simulation environments for aircraft, rotorcraft, powered lift aircraft, or other complex vehicle systems
Experience with physics-based flight dynamics simulation tools such as FLIGHTLAB, or similar aircraft modeling and simulation tools
General understanding of engineering simulation fundamentals, especially as applied to aircraft flight simulation and vehicle response evaluation
Strong understanding of flight dynamics, stability and control, and aircraft response characteristics
Working knowledge of flight control law concepts, including control modes, gain scheduling, stability augmentation, and mode transition behavior
Understanding of handling qualities fundamentals, including controllability, pilot workload, and pilot vehicle interaction
Ability to evaluate closed loop aircraft response using simulation results, flight dynamics models, and engineering judgment
Ability to review simulation model assumptions, control law behavior, test data, and technical limitations
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to independently prioritize and accomplish work within time constraints
Travel up to approximately 10% domestically and internationally to support simulation events, design reviews, test activities, and program milestones

Nice to have

Experience with real time simulation, pilot in the loop simulation, hardware in the loop testing, or integrated simulation environments preferred
Familiarity with aircraft handling qualities, flight control modes, stability and control, system interfaces, or flight test data analysis preferred
Familiarity with interface messaging, avionics communication protocols, or simulation interface standards such as CIGI preferred
Experience reviewing supplier, partner, or cross functional engineering deliverables preferred

Benefits

Base pay offered may vary depending on skills, experience, job-related knowledge and location. This position is also eligible for a bonus as part of total compensation.
The pay range for this position is:
$134,636—$164,555 USD
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