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
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/ ). We are seeking a Flight Controls Lead to guide the autonomous flight controls development. We want to speak with you if you have experience with developing flight or vehicle controls systems with a focus on autonomy and want to expand your skills with something unique. As Flight Controls Lead you 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:
· Develop a comprehensive understanding of aerostat flight characteristics, autonomous flight operations, and aerostat system modeling to inform the ongoing development of the flight control system.· Utilize data-driven approaches, leveraging our extensive flight data and modeling capability, to guide the refinement and enhancement of the flight control system within the MathWorks Simulink environment.· Define model-in-the-loop and flight test objectives aimed at improving the robustness and performance of the controls system, and actively support flight tests to validate flight controls software.· Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, and avionics technical specialists to refine key sensor and actuator requirements (e.g., wind anemometers, INS, motors, and brakes) for the ST-Flex system and supporting products, ensuring alignment with flight controls requirements.· Participate in design reviews, systems verification, and validation, meticulously documenting development activities in accordance with established product development practices.· Thrive in a fast-paced startup development environment, consistently meeting aggressive product launch schedules with agility and precision.
Required Qualifications:
· Advanced degree in Aerospace, Controls, or Mechanical Engineering, or related field, with a focus on flight controls and design.· Expertise in vehicle control systems architecture and design, demonstrating a deep understanding of control theory and practical application.· Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and associated toolboxes, including control systems design, signal processing, and/or Embedded Coder.· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey complex flight controls and autonomy issues to diverse audiences and stakeholders, to listen to feedback, and be able to persuade stakeholders of the benefits or drawbacks of different approaches.· A "Startup Can-Do Attitude": We seek individuals who are quick learners, passionate, nimble, detail-oriented, and adaptable, ready to tackle challenges and drive meaningful impact.
Desired Experience:
· Experience in the development of control systems for lighter-than-air vehicles, underwater or surface-level autonomous vessels, autonomous drones, aircraft, autonomous vehicles, or robots.· Familiarity with Model-Based-Design principles and best practices within the MATLAB/Simulink environment.· Hands-on experience with industrial automation hardware, sensors (e.g., GPS, INS, anemometers, pressure, temperature), motors, and valves, including commissioning of these hardware components.· Proficiency in embedded C/C++ software development.· Experience in PLC or microcontroller programming.
