Rotorcraft Flight Controls and Handling Qualities Engineer (early to mid)

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

Job Description

The Rotorcraft Flight Controls and Handling Qualities Engineer will support Army rotorcraft engineering efforts through the development, improvement, and application of flight control systems for both legacy fleet and future vertical lift, including control laws needed for piloted simulations. Additionally, the position will support the development of flight controls for simulation and flight test of advanced and novel vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft configurations, both manned and unmanned.

Advanced flight control design tools, such as MATLAB/Simulink with CONDUIT, are used to prototype and optimize flight controls and autonomy algorithms for Army aviation science and technology projects. These tools are also used to independently evaluate new vehicles, and upgrades to legacy vehicles, being developed under contract.

Responsibilities

• Develop effective working relationships and collaborate with Army engineers and managers
• Perform flight control design and analysis for modern vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft configurations, both manned and unmanned.
• Provide flight controls and handling qualities expertise to the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program office. Participate in FLRAA design reviews and keep abreast of flight control issues for the FLRAA aircraft.
• Develop proficiency with the Control Designers Unified Interface (CONDUIT®) flight controls analysis and optimization tool.
• Develop proficiency with the Comprehensive Identification from Frequency Responses (CIFER®) linear system identification tool.
• Develop quasi-linear full envelope flight models by stitching linear models valid at specified points within the envelope.
• Conduct handling qualities evaluations of Mission Task Elements in piloted flight tests (simulated or real), using the Cooper-Harper Scale.
• Investigate the correlation between quantitative measures of flight control performance and achieved handling qualities, for better prediction of handling qualities
• investigate the design of Mission Task Elements that reveal the suitability of the vehicle response to the intended mission.
• Attend technical group meetings, branch meetings, design reviews, etc. and report project updates and activities.
• Communicate research results through technical presentations and written reports.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (or a related field) from an accredited college or university
• Experience: Bachelor 2 years, Master 0 years, Ph.D. 0 years
• 2 years or more experience in flight control design
• Education or experience in the following areas: classical (frequency domain) and state-space system dynamics and control theory
• Skilled in MATLAB and Simulink
• Strong analytical skills
• Must be able to travel up to 10% of the time
• U.S. Citizen
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Masters or higher degree, specializing in flight control, especially as applied to rotorcraft
• Education and/or experience in rotorcraft flight dynamics, control, and simulation
• Strong technical writing skills
  
  

Benefits: CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories