Senior Flight Control Engineer in Bristol

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Senior Flight Control Engineer to join a leading defence engineering organisation, working at the forefront of advanced Guidance, Control and Navigation (GCN) technology. This is a highly visible technical role offering the opportunity to influence the future direction of sophisticated guidance and flight control systems across multiple programmes, from early-stage research through to full-scale development and live system trials.

This role is focused on the specification, analysis, design, implementation and verification of advanced guidance and control algorithms and architectures. Working within a highly capable technical team, you will contribute to the development of complex systems involving sensors, navigation units, actuators, propulsion elements and platform interfaces, whilst providing technical leadership and strategic influence without direct line management responsibilities.

• Develop and analyse advanced guidance, control and navigation algorithms for complex airborne systems
• Contribute to the design, verification and validation of real-time control system architectures
• Perform modelling and simulation activities using MATLAB and Simulink to assess system performance
• Support system-level analysis across complex, interconnected engineering environments
• Define clear technical requirements and engineering objectives for guidance and control solutions
• Investigate, diagnose and resolve system abnormalities through modelling, simulation and analysis
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams and programme stakeholders
• Influence technical strategy and future design approaches across multiple programmes
• Support projects throughout the full lifecycle, from concept development through to system trials

• Experience within defence, aerospace, autonomous systems or other highly regulated engineering sectors
• Knowledge of flight control systems, guidance algorithms or navigation technologies
• Experience working on complex multidisciplinary engineering programmes
• Familiarity with sensors, navigation systems, propulsion elements or actuator systems
• Experience supporting system verification and validation activities
• The ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to a range of stakeholders

• Strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience in Guidance, Control and Navigation (GCN/GNC) engineering
• Extensive experience in aerospace guidance, control and navigation specification, analysis, algorithm design and implementation
• Experience with real-time system architectures and system verification activities
• Strong modelling and simulation capability using MATLAB and Simulink
• The ability to define and bound complex engineering problems and translate them into clear technical requirements
• Experience managing complexity across large, interconnected engineering systems
• The ability to cross-verify complex models and systems against underlying engineering theory
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a methodical engineering approach
• British Citizenship or Dual Nationality inclusive of British Citizenship

This position offers a lucrative benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:

• Annual bonus of up to 21.25%
• Generous pension contribution scheme with combined contributions of up to 14%
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where applicable
• Enhanced parental leave, including maternity, adoption, shared parental leave and paternity enhancements
• Excellent on-site facilities including subsidised meals and free parking
• Career development opportunities within a world-class engineering environment
• Opportunities to work on complex, safety-critical aerospace programmes

If this role looks like your next challenge, please contact Keelan ASAP or apply via this advert!

Please note that due to the nature of the client's business, only candidates who currently hold full British Citizenship (without limitations) / Dual Nationality (inclusive of British Citizenship) will be considered.

We endeavour to reply to every candidate, every time but if you haven't heard back within 10 days, please understand that you have unfortunately been unsuccessful for this position, or the position has been filled. Please call the office or send an email to discuss other potential positions.