Sr. Engineer, Control Laws (Claws) & Handling Qualities

What we do:The Sr. Engineer, Control Law (CLAWS) & Handling Qualities Engineer supports air vehicle design, simulation, component test, and flight test activities through flight dynamics analysis, control law assessment, and handling qualities evaluation. This role executes CLAWS model development, simulation integration, and handling qualities assessment throughout development stages as part of the Flight Sciences team. The engineer collaborates regularly with the other groups in Supernal.What you can do:

Control Laws Development & Analysis

Review and assess flight control law behavior, control modes, gain schedules, and closed loop aircraft responseUse flight dynamics models and simulation results to evaluate stability, controllability, handling qualities, and aircraft response characteristicsSupport analysis of stability augmentation, attitude hold, envelope protection, mode transition, and selected failure mode behaviorDocument technical findings, risks, assumptions, and recommendations for design reviews and technical discussions

Handling Qualities Evaluation

Support handling qualities evaluations using simulation results, pilot feedback, flight dynamics analysis, and applicable industry guidanceAssist in defining evaluation maneuvers, simulation cases, assessment criteria, and data review methodsSupport pilot in the loop simulation activities to assess vehicle response, workload, controllability, and pilot vehicle interactionProvide technical input to aircraft level design decisions influenced by handling qualities or pilot vehicle interaction

Simulation, Verification and Test Support

Support the development, maintenance, and use of flight simulation environments for CLAWS and handling qualities evaluationsReview simulation model assumptions, control law integration, interfaces, and model fidelity for aircraft response assessmentSupport requirement verification activities using analysis, simulation, ground test data, and flight test dataAssist with test planning, preflight simulation, and post test data review related to control law and handling qualities evaluations

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Work with other groups in Supernal to support integrated aircraft level technical reviewsSupport multidisciplinary trade studies where control law behavior, vehicle dynamics, or handling qualities affect aircraft design decisionsPerform additional duties as assigned in support of Flight Sciences and aircraft development activities

What you can contribute:

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control systems engineering, or a related technical field requiredMinimum of five (5) years of relevant experienceExperience in flight dynamics, flight controls, control law analysis, handling qualities evaluation, aircraft simulation, or flight test supportExperience using MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, simulation, control law integration, or dynamic system analysisExperience developing, using, or reviewing engineering simulation environments for aircraft, rotorcraft, powered lift aircraft, or other complex vehicle systemsExperience with physics-based flight dynamics simulation tools such as FLIGHTLAB, or similar aircraft modeling and simulation toolsExperience with real time simulation, pilot in the loop simulation, hardware in the loop testing, or integrated simulation environments preferredFamiliarity with aircraft handling qualities, flight control modes, stability and control, system interfaces, or flight test data analysis preferredFamiliarity with interface messaging, avionics communication protocols, or simulation interface standards such as CIGI preferredExperience reviewing supplier, partner, or cross functional engineering deliverables preferredGeneral understanding of engineering simulation fundamentals, especially as applied to aircraft flight simulation and vehicle response evaluationStrong understanding of flight dynamics, stability and control, and aircraft response characteristicsWorking knowledge of flight control law concepts, including control modes, gain scheduling, stability augmentation, and mode transition behaviorUnderstanding of handling qualities fundamentals, including controllability, pilot workload, and pilot vehicle interactionAbility to evaluate closed loop aircraft response using simulation results, flight dynamics models, and engineering judgmentAbility to review simulation model assumptions, control law behavior, test data, and technical limitationsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsStrong verbal and written communication skillsExcellent organizational skills and attention to detailAbility to independently prioritize and accomplish work within time constraintsTravel up to approximately 10% domestically and internationally to support simulation events, design reviews, test activities, and program milestones