Flight Control Systems Engineer

Embark on a journey with QDSS at the forefront of technological innovation as we seek talented Engineers to shape the future of cutting-edge projects and contribute to a culture of excellence and creativity.  What we do matters. 

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions is seeking a highly experienced and self-motivated Flight Control Systems Engineer to join our team. This role focuses on the integration, characterization, and verification of electro-mechanical actuator systems within our client’s advanced Flight Control System (FCS). The engineer will work across mechanical, electrical, software, and control law teams to ensure actuators perform correctly within the closed-loop control environment. A key portion of this role includes helping set up and automate actuator test rigs using LabVIEW, DAQ hardware, and system instrumentation. The ideal candidate will be a systems level engineer who is comfortable working hands-on with hardware, supporting troubleshooting, defining test setups, and ensuring actuator performance meets program requirements. 

This role is remote but will require onsite onboarding for 2 weeks with potential of additional travel as needed for verification.  Due to the nature of this role, US Citizenship is required.  

 Responsibilities may include: 

• Integrating electro-mechanical actuators into the Flight Control System and validating performance across command paths and closed-loop behavior 

• Supporting actuator hardware bring-up, calibration, and bench-level verification 

• Defining, configuring, and troubleshooting actuator test stands (SIL/HIL or lab rigs) 

• Developing or modifying LabVIEW scripts to automate data acquisition, control, and test execution 

• Reviewing actuator control requirements, ICDs, and command/feedback signal paths 

• Performing actuator characterization activities (latency, rate limits, bandwidth, current draw, fault behavior) 

• Collaborating with Control Laws, Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, and Avionics teams to resolve integration issues 

• Supporting the development and execution of test procedures, acceptance tests, and performance verification 

• Analyzing test data to validate actuator and system performance 

• Documenting results, findings, and integration notes in accordance with program and regulatory requirements 

• Providing engineering input to design reviews, integration plans, and verification strategies 

• Supporting investigations into anomalies, sensor issues, or actuator behavior discrepancies 

 Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline 

• 7+ years of experience in Flight Control Systems, actuator integration, or electro-mechanical system integration 

• Strong understanding of servo actuators, EMAs/EHSAs, signal interfaces, and closed-loop control behavior 

• Hands-on experience working with hardware test setups, rigs, DAQ systems, or instrumentation 

• Experience developing test automation or data acquisition tooling using LabVIEW 

• Ability to read/interpret engineering requirements, ICDs, electrical schematics, and control system diagrams 

• Strong troubleshooting skills with electro-mechanical systems 

• Ability to work onsite in a fast-paced lab environment and collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Controls Engineering, or related discipline 

• Experience working on flight controls, vehicle systems, or high-authority actuation systems 

• Experience with HIL/SIL testing environments or actuator characterization test benches 

• Familiarity with control law implementation, system dynamics, and actuator modeling 

• Experience in aerospace development under FAA, military, or DARPA programs 

• Certification with LabVIEW (CLAD/CLD) or prior advanced LabVIEW scripting 

• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, dSPACE, National Instruments DAQ hardware, or test automation frameworks 

• Previous experience with high-speed VTOL, helicopter, or fixed-wing flight control systems 

 Why QDSS:  

We’re a family-like-company. We are collaborative. We believe in embracing change. We believe in doing consistent good work. QDSS houses smart, curious and passionate about “making a difference” people. Our company culture sets us apart from others as well as:   

• 401k with Employer-Match Contributions 

• Medical, Dental, and Life coverage 

• Disability Benefits 

• Generous compensation structure 

• Significant opportunities for advancement 

• Next Generation / Cutting Edge Technology Projects 

• Certification Assistance Available (Approval Required) 

• Flexible, Friendly and Fun work environment