Flight Controls Engineer
Flight Controls Engineer

Flight Controls Engineer

Full-Time 50000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop and refine flight control laws for a cutting-edge electric aircraft.
  • Company: Exciting UK-based aerospace company revolutionising air travel.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunity to shape the future of aviation.
  • Other info: Be part of a pivotal stage in developing a revolutionary eVTOL aircraft.
  • Why this job: Join a small team making a real impact in the aerospace industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in flight controls and strong grounding in control theory required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.

We're supporting a well-backed, UK-based aerospace company developing a piloted, fully electric aircraft with vertical capability. Following successful crewed flight testing, the team is now preparing for the next phase of development, including the maiden flight of their production aircraft. As part of this, they’re looking to bring in a Flight Control Engineer to take ownership of control law development across the platform. This is a hands‑on role sitting at the centre of aircraft performance and stability — focused on hover, transition and forward flight control for a manned aircraft operating in a flight test‑led environment.

What you’ll be working on:

  • Development and refinement of flight control laws across hover, transition and forward flight
  • Stabilisation and control logic for a piloted eVTOL aircraft
  • Model‑based design and controller tuning (MATLAB / Simulink)
  • SIL / PIL / HIL validation ahead of flight testing
  • Supporting flight test campaigns, including data analysis and iteration
  • Working closely with systems, propulsion, structures and avionics teams
  • Contributing to certification‑aligned development processes

What they’re looking for:

  • Experience in flight controls, GNC or control systems within aerospace
  • Background in eVTOL, UAV, rotorcraft or fixed‑wing aircraft
  • Strong grounding in control theory and model‑based development
  • Experience with MATLAB / Simulink
  • Exposure to embedded systems and flight control integration
  • Familiarity with certification frameworks (e.g. DO‑178, DO‑160, DO‑254)

This is a genuinely high‑impact role within a small, focused team — offering real ownership of a safety‑critical domain and direct involvement in flight testing at a pivotal stage of the programme.

Flight Controls Engineer employer: Astraea

Join a pioneering UK-based aerospace company at the forefront of developing fully electric aircraft, where your role as a Flight Controls Engineer will place you at the heart of innovation and safety in aviation. With a collaborative work culture that values hands-on contributions and offers significant opportunities for professional growth, you'll be part of a dedicated team driving the future of flight. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a dynamic environment focused on cutting-edge technology and real-world impact, all while contributing to the maiden flight of a revolutionary aircraft.
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Contact Detail:

Astraea Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Flight Controls Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the aerospace industry, especially those working on eVTOL or flight controls. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews — you never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your work with MATLAB, Simulink, and any flight control projects you've tackled. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience and make a lasting impression during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on control theory and model-based development. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with SIL/PIL/HIL validation and how you’ve contributed to flight test campaigns — they’ll want to see your expertise in action!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re all about connecting talent with opportunities, so make sure your application stands out. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in flight controls and certification frameworks.

We think you need these skills to ace Flight Controls Engineer

Flight Control Development
Control Law Development
Stabilisation and Control Logic
Model-Based Design
Controller Tuning
MATLAB
Simulink
SIL Validation
PIL Validation
HIL Validation
Data Analysis
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams
Control Theory
Embedded Systems
Certification Frameworks (DO-178, DO-160, DO-254)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Flight Controls Engineer role. Highlight your experience in flight controls, GNC, or control systems, and don’t forget to mention any work with eVTOL or UAVs. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!

Showcase Your Skills: When writing your application, showcase your skills in model-based design and controller tuning, especially with MATLAB and Simulink. We love seeing practical examples of how you've applied these skills in real-world scenarios, so don’t hold back!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and concise. Use straightforward language to explain your experience and how it relates to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point — it makes our job easier when reviewing!

Apply Through Our Website: Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Astraea

✨Know Your Control Theory

Brush up on your control theory fundamentals before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these principles in past projects, especially in flight controls or GNC systems. This will show your depth of knowledge and relevance to the role.

✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience

Prepare to share specific examples of your hands-on experience with MATLAB and Simulink. Discuss any model-based design projects you've worked on, particularly those involving flight control laws. This practical insight will demonstrate your capability for the role.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Certification Frameworks

Make sure you understand the certification frameworks relevant to the aerospace industry, like DO-178 and DO-160. Being able to talk about how you’ve navigated these processes in previous roles will set you apart as a candidate who understands the importance of safety and compliance.

✨Collaborative Mindset

Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you’ve effectively communicated and coordinated with systems, propulsion, and avionics teams to achieve project goals.

Flight Controls Engineer
Astraea

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