At Altaeros, our mission is to connect people, machines and data, no matter where in the world they are located. We leverage cutting edge autonomy and advanced aerospace technology to build the most effective aerial platform available. Our SuperTowers™ are used in mission critical government and commercial applications, including national security, disaster response, rural broadband and IoT.
What You’ll Do
Altaeros seeks a Principal Flight Controls Engineer to join the Controls Engineering Team and lead the autonomous flight controls and automated dispatch development. As a member of the Controls team at Altaeros, you will build the Aerostat Autopilot which is at the heart of every SuperTower (https://www.altaeros.com/aerostat-autopilot/). The Principal Flight Controls Engineer will work cross functionally with other engineers in aerodynamics, system modeling, software, mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as the systems and management teams.Altaeros is a rapidly growing team working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Compensation includes salary, equity, and benefits.
Within your first 6 months you will:
· Collaborate closely with leadership, field operations, systems, and software teams to refine requirements and prioritize new features and enhancements within the full-system model and autonomous flight controls.· Spearhead the development of flight control systems architecture using the MathWorks Simulink environment, leveraging your expertise to drive innovation and efficiency.· Lead the design and implementation of simulations, software, and flight test objectives, aiming to enhance the robustness and performance of the controls system while advancing our model-based design capabilities.· Assume a leadership role in design reviews, systems verification, and validation, meticulously documenting development activities according to established product development practices.· Take charge of preparing and deploying the autonomous flight controls system, including hands-on sensor and actuator commissioning, ensuring seamless integration and optimal functionality.· Provide guidance on the deployment, update, and revision control of flight control software within manufacturing and field service environments, ensuring consistency and reliability.· Establish and uphold coding standards and best practices across the Controls team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.· Thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, meeting aggressive product launch schedules with resilience and precision.
Required Qualifications:
· Advanced degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field with a focus on advanced controls and design, coupled with a minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience.· Demonstrated technical leadership and mentoring skills, with a proven ability to inspire and guide multidisciplinary teams toward common goals.· Expertise in autonomous flight control systems architecture and design, showcasing a deep understanding of industry trends and emerging technologies.· Proficiency in Model-Based-Design principles and best practices within the MATLAB/Simulink environment, coupled with extensive experience using MATLAB/Simulink toolboxes for control systems design, signal processing, and embedded C/C++ software development (e.g., Embedded Coder).· Hands-on experience with industrial automation hardware, sensor and actuator commissioning, and proficiency in PLC programming or microcontroller programming.· Strong project and team management skills, with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.· Demonstrated capability for technical innovation, with a passion for pushing the boundaries of what's possible.· Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and stakeholders.· A "Startup Can-Do Attitude": We value individuals who are quick learners, passionate, nimble, detail-oriented, and adaptable, ready to tackle challenges head-on and drive meaningful impact.
