Flight Controls Engineer

Job Description STC is a science and engineering research and services support company with proven expertise and experience spanning research, development, test, and evaluation in areas including aerospace engineering, earth and atmospheric sciences, chemical and biological defense, military systems and technology, and software development. Employment Category: Full Time / Temporary Location: NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC), Edwards AFB, CA Schedule: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM, 9/80 compressed schedule. Flight test support may require early morning, late evening, extended-day, or weekend work depending on mission requirements. Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen Salary $140,000 - $200,000 Job Summary The Research Engineer supports NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) and the X-59 Low Boom Flight Demonstrator project during flight test and envelope expansion activities. This role provides senior technical expertise in flight controls, flight dynamics, flying qualities, simulation comparison, control room operations, post‑flight data analysis, and flight readiness assessment for a complex digital fly‑by‑wire research aircraft. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to one of NASA's most visible experimental flight programs, where expert judgment, disciplined analysis, and real‑time engineering support directly influence flight safety and mission success. Primary Responsibilities Flight Controls & Flying Qualities Analysis Evaluate flight control system performance for a digital fly‑by‑wire aircraft Assess handling qualities, stability margins, aircraft dynamics, and flight control behavior Perform post‑flight data analysis using both time‑domain and frequency‑domain techniques Compare flight data against simulations, predictions, control law expectations, and test objectives Flight Test & Envelope Expansion Support Support X‑59 flight test planning, envelope expansion strategy, and mission readiness activities Serve in control room operations during flight tests and provide real‑time engineering assessment Participate in pre‑flight and post‑flight reviews, technical meetings, and test activities Provide recommendations regarding flight readiness and adequacy of flight systems for continued expansion Simulation & Data Evaluation Support pre‑ and post‑flight simulation evaluations using X‑59 simulation tools Use flight test data systems and simulation comparisons to identify trends, anomalies, and risks Evaluate simulation fidelity and support ongoing simulation assessments as flight data becomes available Work across flight controls, flying qualities, simulation, operations, range, and project teams Coordinate with technical teams across multiple organizations to support safe and effective test execution Provide expert input during airworthiness, safety, and flight readiness evaluations Technical Documentation Prepare technical assessments, post‑flight analysis summaries, and engineering recommendations Document assumptions, methods, analysis results, risks, and conclusions clearly and concisely Support internal reviews, briefings, data reporting, and project decision‑making Key Benefits and Impact Support NASA's X‑59 Low Boom Flight Demonstrator during envelope expansion Contribute directly to flight safety, airworthiness, and mission success Work with high‑performing NASA, contractor, simulation, and flight test teams Help advance quiet supersonic flight research and next‑generation aerospace capability Job Requirements Bachelor's Degree or higher in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering 10+ years of experience as a flight controls, flight dynamics, performance, or flying qualities engineer Experience with design, analysis, evaluation, or testing of flight control systems for digital fly‑by‑wire aircraft Experience with flight testing and envelope expansion of aircraft flight control systems Experience with real‑time control room operations and post‑flight data analysisAbility to perform simulation comparisons and advanced flight data analysis Preferred Qualifications 15+ years of directly relevant flight controls, flight dynamics, or developmental flight test experience Experience meeting Principal Engineer or Research Engineer labor category qualifications Prior NASA Armstrong, X‑plane, experimental aircraft, or X‑59/LBFD project experience Familiarity with DATR, ATDP, AFRC Core Sim, or similar flight research tools and environments Experience supporting airworthiness, safety, flight readiness, or envelope expansion review processes Equal Opportunity Statement We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr