Flight Control Systems Engineer

Prismatic is a technology development company, specialising in the design, manufacture and delivery of innovative, high value aerospace products and systems. Prismatic is a subsidiary of BAE systems, led by a technically and commercially focused team. Our cutting-edge systems (such as the high-altitude PHASA-35) have clear commercial value, are developed at pace and address critical customer needs.

The Flight Control Systems (FCS) Engineer is responsible for the design, development, integration, verification, and validation of flight control laws and architectures for Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). The role covers fixed-wing, rotary-wing, or hybrid platforms, supporting autonomous and remotely piloted aircraft. The engineer works across the full V-model lifecycle, from requirements capture through flight testing and certification, ensuring compliance with UK CAA, EASA, and airworthiness standards.

Tasks and Accountabilities

• Flight Control Design & Development
  • Develop flight control laws (e.g. attitude, rate, navigation, and guidance loops) for UAS platforms.
  • Design control architectures for autonomous and remotely piloted operations.
  • Support sensor fusion inputs (IMU, GNSS, air data, vision-based navigation).
  • Implement control algorithms in MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent model-based design tools.
• Modelling, Simulation & Analysis
  • Create and maintain 6-DOF nonlinear aircraft models.
  • Perform stability and control analysis, gain scheduling, and robustness studies.
  • Conduct Monte Carlo simulations and worst-case analysis.
  • Support SIL, PIL, and HIL testing activities.
• Systems Engineering & Integration
  • Translate system-level requirements into control system requirements.
  • Interface with avionics, propulsion, mission systems, and ground control teams.
  • Support integration of autopilots, flight computers, and actuators.
  • Contribute to safety assessments (FHA, FMEA, FTA).
• Verification, Validation & Flight Test
  • Define and execute verification and validation plans.
  • Support ground testing, iron bird, and flight test campaigns.
  • Analyse flight test data and tune control laws accordingly.
  • Produce evidence for certification and airworthiness approval.
• Compliance & Standards
  • Ensure compliance with: UK CAA CAP 722 / CAP 1787.
  • EASA SC-UAS / CS-23 (where applicable).
  • Def Stan 00-970 / MAA requirements (for military programmes).
  • Support DO-178C / DO-331 objectives where applicable.

In addition to the above, you will be expected to undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the business and directed by line management. NB this role involves deployment overseas up to a maximum of 8 weeks a year; typically for blocks of two weeks.

Requirements

• Essential
  • Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar.
  • Strong understanding of: Classical and modern control theory, Aircraft stability and control, Flight dynamics.
  • Hands-on experience with MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Experience working with UAS, UAVs, or autonomous systems.
  • Familiarity with the V-model development lifecycle.
  • Ability to obtain UK security clearance.
• Desirable
  • Experience with: Autopilot platforms (PX4, ArduPilot, proprietary systems).
  • Model-based design and auto-code generation.
  • Embedded flight control software.
  • HIL rigs and real-time simulation.
  • Knowledge of airworthiness and certification for UAS.
  • Exposure to AI-assisted or adaptive control methods.
  • Programming skills in C/C++, Python, or similar.

Typical Tools & Technologies

• MATLAB / Simulink.
• Flight simulation environments (e.g. X-Plane, proprietary tools).
• Requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama).
• Configuration management tools (Git, SVN).
• Real-time hardware and HIL systems (dSPACE, NI, Speedgoat).

What We Offer

We’re proud to offer a competitive package and a range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing, including:

• Location: Alton (Hampshire), UK.
• Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours per week (excluding breaks).
• Hybrid working (where applicable), giving you the flexibility to balance time between home and our offices (norm is 3 days a week).
• Salary: £45,000 - £59,000 – dependent on experience.
• Bonus: Non contractual company performance related bonus.
• Pension: 10% company contribution, plus salary exchange options for AVCs.
• Green Benefits: Access to our Green Car/EV scheme via salary exchange.
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (rising to 28 days after 3 years’ service).
• Employee Schemes: Eligibility for the BAE Systems Share Incentive Scheme, Company Performance Free Share awards, Cycle to Work scheme, and a Halfords Trade Discount Card.
• Community & Culture: Social and employee engagement activities through our Prismatic Pulse group.
• Wellbeing: Access to Occupational Health support, including an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a covering email to . In your application, please confirm:

• That you have the right to work in the UK and can commute to the job’s location of work.
• That you have been a UK resident for at least 5 years and can meet any required background checks (or security clearance requirements where applicable).
• Your salary expectations for the role.
• Your availability or current notice period.

Inclusion

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our team and is vital to the work we do.

Proud to Support the Armed Forces Community

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and holders of the Bronze Award, demonstrating our commitment to supporting those who serve and have served. We recognise that the discipline, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and resilience gained through military life are a huge asset to our organisation. That’s why we actively encourage applications from veterans, reservists, and the partners and families of those serving. If you’ve served in any capacity, or supported someone who has, we’d love to hear from you.