Contract Controls Engineer Jobs in Wichita, KS (NOW HIRING)

Lead Next-Generation Aviation Innovation as a Technical Expert – Flight Control Laws Design & Development

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an elite Technical Expert – Engineering, Flight Control Laws Design & Development to join our team in partnership with a leader in the aviation industry. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of Fly-By-Wire aircraft systems through advanced control law development, simulation, certification, and flight performance optimization. If you are a seasoned aerospace engineer with deep expertise in controls design and flight dynamics, this is the role where your ideas will move aviation forward.

Job Title: Technical Expert, Engineering, Flight Control Laws Design & Development
Job Type: Contractor, Contractor-to-Hire, or Direct Placement
Locations: Wichita, USA

As a Technical Expert in Flight Control Laws, you will lead the design and advancement of control systems that define aircraft handling, safety, stability, and performance. Your expertise will directly influence next-generation aircraft development, research initiatives, certification programs, and in-service product enhancements.

• Design, develop, and improve new and existing Flight Control Laws (CLaws) and supporting assessment tools using MATLAB and C++

• Support autopilot, navigation, and control law development for research and development programs

• Define and refine control laws and system requirements

• Perform validation and verification (V&V) for updates and new control law designs

• Deliver control laws in compliance with DO-178B and SAE ARP4754 standards

• Design pilot-in-the-loop control laws based on handling qualities, structural envelope protection, performance, and aircraft-level requirements

• Evaluate system failures, aircraft stability, and performance using simulations, analytical methods, pilot-in-the-loop testing, and flight test data

• Support integration of control laws into test rigs and supplier hardware platforms

• Collaborate cross-functionally with avionics, systems, flight test, certification, and supplier teams

• Drive innovation in advanced flight control methodologies for future aircraft programs

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering (PhD preferred)

• Minimum 10 years of experience developing Flight Control Laws for Fly-By-Wire aircraft

• Deep expertise in aircraft flight dynamics and aerodynamics

• Strong knowledge of classical and modern control system design techniques for SISO and MIMO systems

• Experience with advanced control law methods and evaluation techniques

• Strong understanding of aircraft stability, handling qualities, and pilot-in-the-loop control systems

• Knowledge of DO-178B standards, certification processes, and software verification methods

• Advanced proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, and aircraft/system modeling tools

• Strong programming skills in MATLAB scripting and C++

• Fluent in written and spoken French and English

• Self-motivated team player with the ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering

• Experience with Kalman filtering and state estimation techniques

• Background supporting flight test programs or certification campaigns

• Experience integrating control laws with Collins, Thales, NRC, CMC, or similar hardware platforms

• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities

At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect world-class engineering talent with industry leaders redefining aerospace excellence. When you join us, you’ll enjoy:

• Flexible hiring options: contract, contract-to-hire, or direct placement

• Hybrid work flexibility in Montreal

• Opportunity to lead cutting-edge Fly-By-Wire innovation programs

• Work alongside top aerospace engineers and global technology partners

• Competitive compensation based on experience and employment type

• Career advancement through high-visibility technical leadership opportunities

• A collaborative culture that values innovation, expertise, and professional growth

If you’re ready to bring your flight controls expertise to a role where innovation meets impact, apply today and elevate your career with PDS Tech Commercial.

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Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Every year, PDS Tech Commercial and PDS Defense place thousands of skilled trades and engineering associates into roles all across the nation. Since our founding in 1977, we have maintained the highest standard of service and satisfaction among both talent and clients.

Today, we continue to deliver exceptional services as a proud member of The Adecco Group (TAG) family, a leading global workforce solutions provider. What does this mean for you? We are united by a powerful mission: making the future work for everyone. We offer our local experience paired with global resources, bringing significant advantages to all our areas of expertise. From end-to-end digital recruitment to priority redeployment and beyond, we are committed to building a better world of work for all.