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.