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

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  Design and implement advanced flight control laws (LQR/LQG, Robust, Adaptive, MPC) for autonomous flight from take-off to landing.
  
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  Develop high-precision sensor pointing and gimbal stabilisation algorithms for EO/IR ISR payloads.
  
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  Build and validate high-fidelity 6-DOF aircraft models, accounting for disturbances, latency, and structural dynamics.
  
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  Define handling qualities, stability margins, and safety envelopes.
  
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  Transition algorithms from simulation to flight-ready code, supporting HIL testing and flight-test campaigns.
  
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  Lead control strategy in the UK and mentor engineers on complex dynamical systems.
  
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  Ensure rigorous verification & validation, including degraded and failure modes.
  

Qualifications & Experience

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  8+ years (Senior) or 12+ years (Principal) in flight dynamics and control within UAS or aerospace.
  
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  Deep expertise in classical and modern control theory.
  
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  Experience with gimbal servo loops, jitter compensation, and LOS stabilisation.
  
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  Strong modelling and simulation capability; flight-test data analysis experience.
  
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  Degree in Control Theory, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
  
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  UK national eligible for SC Clearance