Flight Controls Engineer

Until 8/21/2026 First posted June 1, 2026 Last posted June 1, 2026
Job description
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

GA-ASI has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Controls Engineer Production Programs to support our Flight Technologies group in in San Diego (Poway), CA. The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) engineer will focus on flight controls and support world class production Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) programs. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
  • Perform GNC-related tasks for varying levels of aircraft modifications, including requirements development, software integration and validation, simulation analysis to support airworthiness risk assessment, flight test planning, and analysis of flight data.
  • Evaluate the impact to Flight Controls from system changes, such as new external payloads and software updates, utilizing linear and non-linear analyses, piloted simulation, SIL/HIL testing, and ground/flight testing.
  • Ensure new developments comply with system requirements, legacy system performance, and follow industry best practices.
  • Troubleshoot flight control anomalies experienced in fielded systems via flight data analysis and simulation, correlating with flight software operation and generating flight software corrective actions.
  • Analyze the aerodynamic characteristics of existing aircraft to ensure current flying qualities performance is maintained.
  • Comfortable interacting with disciplines closely related to Flight Controls, such as Aerodynamics, Structures, Test Engineers, and Systems Engineers.
  • Occasional travel to flight test facilities to support ground and flight test activities.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

 
About this role

Summary

Develops and tests flight control systems for UAV aircraft, analyzing flight data and system modifications.

Job title

Flight Controls Engineer

Experience level

null

Industry

aerospace

Location requirements

Based in San Diego, CA; remote not specified.

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

guidance navigation controlsoftware integrationsimulation analysisflight data analysis

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

flight controlsguidance navigation controlaerodynamicssoftware integration
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

No structured locations extracted for this role yet.