Avionics System Engineer with Flight Control System (FCS)

Avionics System Engineer with Flight Control System (FCS)

Location: Long Beach, California

Assignment Duration : 1 Year ( and may be renewed further)

Seeking an experienced Flight Control System Validation & Verification (V&V) Engineer to lead and execute system-level verification and validation activities for the Flight Control System (FCS) on the BWB Demonstrator. This role focuses on ensuring that the integrated FCS hardware, software, avionics, sensors, actuators, and interfaces meets functional, performance, safety, and certification requirements across all operating conditions.

The position is oriented toward end-to-end system V&V, including requirements compliance, integration verification, robustness, and flight airworthiness.

What You'll Do:

• Plan, develop, and execute system-level V&V strategies for the Flight Control System across the full development lifecycle.
• Own and maintain FCS verification plans, procedures, and matrices, ensuring alignment with program milestones and certification objectives.
• Perform requirements-based and function-based verification, including allocation, traceability, coverage analysis, and closure of verification objectives.
• Verify FCS functional performance, mode logic, redundancy management, reversion strategies, and fault detection/accommodation.
• Execute and oversee verification activities in model-in-the-loop (MIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments with emphasis on integrated system behavior.
• Coordinate interface verification between the FCS and avionics, sensors, actuators, propulsion, and vehicle systems.
• Support robustness, failure case, and abnormal/emergency scenario testing, including batch and Monte Carlo testing.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineering, software, avionics, safety, and flight test teams to ensure cohesive system verification.
• Support safety assessments (e.g., FHA, FTA, SSA) by providing verification evidence and technical substantiation.
• Identify verification risks, gaps, and anomalies; lead investigation, root cause analysis, and closure activities.
• Prepare, review, and deliver verification reports, compliance data packages, and certification artifacts.
• Contribute to the definition and improvement of V&V processes and standards for advanced and unconventional aircraft systems.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5 10 years of experience in flight control system or avionics system validation & verification.
• Strong experience with system-level V&V of safety-critical aerospace systems.
• Solid understanding of FCS architectures, redundancy management, and system integration principles.
• Experience with model-based verification and simulation-driven test environments.
• Proficiency with tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, scripting languages, and test automation frameworks.
• Experience working with requirements management and traceability tools.
• Ability to operate effectively in a highly integrated, fast-moving development program.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with unconventional or novel aircraft configurations (e.g., BWB, tailless, highly integrated flight controls).
• Familiarity with handling qualities standards and guidance (e.g., MIL-STD-1797 or equivalent).
• Experience supporting piloted simulation labs or flight test campaigns.
• Exposure to certification-related control law verification and compliance documentation.
• Master s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.