Freelance Flight Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ESAero is seeking an experienced Flight Controls Engineer with fixed wing, rotorcraft, and flight test experience to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The engineer will lead and support the simulation and development of advanced control systems for conventional and unique configurations of aircraft including multi-propulsor eVTOL and CTOL aircraft at all scales (VTOL sUAS to eVTOL manned platforms, research platforms, CTOL Distributed Electric Propulsion aircraft). This is a multi-functional role that will also require candidates to be involved in all phases of design and development of new platforms collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel.

• Development of flight dynamics simulations ranging from conventional aircraft to complex VTOL with rotor dynamics.
• Design, development, and implementation of optimal and adaptive flight controls and guidance laws for reconfigurable aircraft.
• Development of flight test maneuvers for system verification and identification.
• System identification in time and frequency domain.
• Support integration and test of aircraft for flight test.
• Collaborate closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, software, systems engineering, and flight test teams to ensure successful integration of flight control systems within the overall aircraft architecture.
• Actively work on improving processes, methods, and tools for flight control.
• Conduct peer reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Support flight operations during ground and flight test activities, including pre‑flight readiness reviews, real‑time test monitoring, post‑flight analysis, and troubleshooting of flight control system issues.
• Participate in safety assessments, failure mode analyses, and system‑level trade studies to ensure flight control architectures meet reliability, redundancy, and airworthiness requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 2+ years of flight controls and simulation engineering experience.
• Experience in UAS and manned aircraft design.
• Good understanding of complex aircraft dynamics (aero, structures, control).
• Experience simulating non‑linear complex aircraft sub‑systems and systems.
• Experience with frequency and time domain system analysis.
• Control system simulation, implementation, test, and verification experience.
• Familiarity with implementation of embedded real‑time control systems.
• Familiarity with system identification of aircraft from flight test.
• Fundamental understanding of other disciplines (Aerodynamics, Structures, Electrical Engineering, Embedded systems).

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience with non‑linear controls and analysis (adaptive control, neural networks, machine learning).
• Experience with implementation of embedded real‑time control systems.
• Experience designing to FAA and Military standards relating to the control system design for aircraft.
• Experience with system identification of aircraft from flight test.
• Experience with Risk Management.
• Familiarity with FAA and Military standards relating to the control system design for aircraft.

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans – including a 100% employer‑paid option covering both employees and their families.
• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer‑paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax‑advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life – a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high‑quality, innovative, and cost‑effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting‑edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on‑time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel the aerospace industry forward.

This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer. E-Verify participation required for employment. Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States. Must be able to pass background check. Pay Range: $90,000 – $120,000. Salary Exempt.