About the Role

Our client, a visionary leader in autonomous flight systems and aerospace innovation, is seeking an exceptional Lead Flight Control Software Engineer to join their fully remote team. This is a unique opportunity to spearhead the development of sophisticated flight control software for next-generation aircraft, drones, and urban air mobility vehicles. You will lead a talented team of engineers, guiding the design, implementation, and verification of critical flight control algorithms and systems. The role demands deep expertise in real-time embedded systems, control theory, and safety-critical software development processes. As a remote leader, you will leverage advanced collaboration tools to foster a highly productive and innovative team environment, regardless of geographical distribution. Our client is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology and seeks individuals who are passionate about making a significant impact. If you are an experienced engineer with a proven track record in flight control software and a desire to work in a flexible, remote-first setting, this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and implementation of real-time flight control software for various aerospace platforms. Develop and optimize advanced control algorithms, including PID, LQR, and model predictive control (MPC). Oversee the software development lifecycle, ensuring adherence to safety-critical standards (e.g., DO-178C). Mentor and guide a team of flight control software engineers, providing technical direction and fostering innovation. Collaborate with systems engineers, aerodynamicists, and hardware engineers to define software requirements and interfaces. Develop and execute comprehensive unit, integration, and system tests, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations. Perform static code analysis, code reviews, and ensure compliance with coding standards. Troubleshoot and resolve complex software issues and performance anomalies. Contribute to the architecture and design of flight control systems, ensuring robustness and reliability. Stay current with cutting-edge research and advancements in flight control systems and software engineering.

Requirements

Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. 10+ years of experience in flight control software development, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior technical role. Expertise in C/C++ programming for embedded systems. Deep understanding of control theory, stability and control, and modern control techniques. Proven experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and safety-critical software development. Familiarity with avionics standards and processes (e.g., DO-178C, ARINC). Experience with simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) and HIL testing environments. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to lead remote teams effectively and manage complex projects. Familiarity with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or autonomous vehicle technology is a plus.

Benefits

This position offers a fully remote work arrangement, providing unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, significant bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance, a generous 401(k) matching program, and ample paid time off. Employees benefit from continuous professional development opportunities, including access to advanced online courses, virtual conferences, and industry certifications. You will have the opportunity to lead groundbreaking projects and shape the future of aviation from anywhere. Our client champions a culture of innovation, collaboration, and empowerment, making this an exceptional remote career opportunity. While the team is distributed, this role is associated with the engineering talent pool that supports projects historically based in the San Francisco, California, US region.