Flight Systems Engineer

Senior / Principal Control Systems Engineer – UAS Flight Control & Precision Pointing UK | SC Clearance Required We are seeking an experienced Control Systems Engineer to lead the development of advanced flight control laws and precision pointing algorithms for next-generation UAS platforms. This role goes beyond PID tuning—you will architect robust, high-performance control strategies for demanding, high-dynamic missions. Key Responsibilities * Design and implement advanced flight control laws (LQR/LQG, Robust, Adaptive, MPC) for autonomous flight from take-off to landing. * Develop high-precision sensor pointing and gimbal stabilisation algorithms for EO/IR ISR payloads. * Build and validate high-fidelity 6-DOF aircraft models, accounting for disturbances, latency, and structural dynamics. * Define handling qualities, stability margins, and safety envelopes. * Transition algorithms from simulation to flight-ready code, supporting HIL testing and flight-test campaigns. * Lead control strategy in the UK and mentor engineers on complex dynamical systems. * Ensure rigorous verification & validation, including degraded and failure modes. Qualifications & Experience * 8+ years (Senior) or 12+ years (Principal) in flight dynamics and control within UAS or aerospace. * Deep expertise in classical and modern control theory. * Experience with gimbal servo loops, jitter compensation, and LOS stabilisation. * Strong modelling and simulation capability; flight-test data analysis experience. * Degree in Control Theory, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or related field. * UK national eligible for SC Clearance