This is a role for someone who enjoys working at the sharp edge of engineering: building high‑fidelity models, developing flight‑critical control laws, validating systems through SIL/HIL testing, supporting field trials, and mentoring the next generation of modelling and simulation engineers. You will work across the full lifecycle, from customer requirements and concept development through to simulation, embedded implementation, Iron Bird testing, flight trials and in‑field demonstrations.
Responsibilities
* Design high‑fidelity 6‑DOF digital models of complex unmanned systems, accurately representing vehicle dynamics, behaviours and mission performance.
* Use Model‑Based Systems Engineering to inform, drive and verify system design decisions.
* Develop, test, tune and deploy flight‑critical control laws and autonomy functions for unmanned aircraft.
* Create resilient trajectory guidance, mission tasking, and GNSS‑denied navigation algorithms.
* Build simulation environments that bring together vehicle dynamics, control laws, payloads, sensors, communications and navigation models.
* Support Software‑in‑the‑Loop, Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop and full‑scale aircraft systems testbed activity, including Iron Bird development and validation.
* Implement and compile control and autonomy code onto embedded systems.
* Define and integrate onboard data communication interfaces, including CAN bus, serial and Ethernet networks.
* Develop human control interfaces for test pilots and ground operators managing unmanned systems.
* Support experimental flight testing, including test procedures, live control tuning, post‑flight analysis and real‑time data review.
* Design rapid analysis tools and scripts to process UAS flight logs during trials and debugging activity.
* Diagnose, fault‑find and repair complex UAS onboard control systems in both lab and field environments.
* Review and contribute to systems architectures, CONOPS and simulation‑based test scenarios.
* Identify technical risks and develop practical mitigation plans.
* Support the use of export‑controlled technologies, including designs subject to US ITAR controls.
* Act as a technical mentor, guiding junior engineers through design, verification, validation, system test and demonstration activities.
Optional Skills
* C/C++ coding for APIs and embedded applications.
* A‑PNT sensor integration for stabilisation and control.
* GNSS‑denied or contested guidance and navigation algorithms.
* Experimental flight testing, in‑flight control tuning and flight dynamics system identification.
* CFD outputs and their application to 6‑DOF aircraft models.
* Airborne unmanned systems avionics, sensors and payload integration.
* Field engineering support for remote UAS deployment, diagnostics and repairs.
* UAV flight test campaign planning, logistics and demonstration trials.
* UAS deployment regulatory compliance, including Operational Safety Case documentation.
* Ground Control Station operation or UAV safety pilot competency.
* Communication systems, datalinks, networks and protocols, including Link 16.
* Aerospace certification processes, standards and regulations such as DO‑178B/C.
* UK MOD customer environments and procurement processes.
* Modelling and simulation team leadership or technical mentoring experience.
We are looking for someone with deep technical experience in modelling, simulation, flight controls or unmanned systems engineering.
Qualifications
* A degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics, or equivalent experience.
* Significant relevant experience in complex aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomy or unmanned systems environments.
* Expert capability in MATLAB and Simulink.
* Strong experience using Stateflow for state‑machine driven system design.
* Experience using MATLAB/Simulink projects, including requirements, version control, data dictionaries, test harnesses and model validation.
* Experience with MATLAB/Simulink code generation for embedded processor deployment.
* Experience integrating and validating UAV flight control computers, autopilots or flight management systems.
* Experience creating automated scripts for test data processing and analysis.
* Experience developing simulation model test harnesses for verification and validation against requirements.
* Experience with SIL and HIL test design linked to 6‑DOF dynamic models.
* Experience with complex unmanned control systems architecture design from requirements and CONOPS.
* Experience defining and implementing onboard system data interfaces such as CAN bus, serial connections and Ethernet networks.
* Experience with FMEA and FHA for unmanned systems, including redundancy and safety‑related design considerations.
* Experience integrating, testing or demonstrating UAS payloads, sensors, comms, RF systems or datalink systems.
* Strong stakeholder‑facing skills, with the ability to work well under pressure and maintain team cohesion.
* The ability to obtain SC security clearance.
* A valid passport and ability to travel internationally where required.
Personality & Leadership
* Technically curious and comfortable working with complex systems.
* Confident moving between modelling, embedded implementation, lab testing and field trials.
* A calm problem‑solver when systems behave unexpectedly.
* Comfortable mentoring others and helping junior engineers grow.
* Able to communicate technical risk clearly to customers, leaders and project teams.
* Practical, hands‑on and delivery‑focused.
* Motivated by seeing your work tested, proven and deployed in real‑world environments.
Benefits
Competitive Compensation Package, 25 days Annual Leave + Public Holidays + option to buy / sell up to 5 days per year, Generous Employer Contribution Pension Scheme with 2:1 matched contributions up to 10%, Private Medical Insurance, Health & Wellbeing Cash Plan (dental/optical/therapy/chiropody/health screening), Life Assurance & Group Income protection scheme participation, Professional Development & Growth Support with professional fees, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Discounts & Flexible Benefits Platform, Employee Recognition & Referral Bonuses and much more!
Equal Employment Opportunity
RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
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