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Rotorcraft Flight Controls and Handling Qualities Engineer (Senior, Airworthiness)

CFD Research Corporation
Huntsville, AL Full Time
POSTED ON 5/5/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/31/2026
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

CFD Research Corporation is seeking an experienced professional to provide engineering and technical analysis to the Aeromechanics Division, Flight Controls and Handling Qualities Team, of the US Army System Readiness Directorate at Redstone Arsenal, AL. The engineer in this role provides support to the Army airworthiness mission in the following areas:

Flight Control Systems

  • Requirements
  • Design Descriptions
  • Implementation, especially control laws
  • Performance evaluation (stability margins, disturbance rejection, etc.)
  • Mode transitions
  • Testing
  • Test data analysis

Handling Qualities

  • Requirements
  • Evaluation Plans
  • Predicted performance
  • Achieved performance (piloted evaluations)

Programs supported can include development of new rotorcraft and upgrades to legacy rotorcraft.

Responsibilities

  • Develop effective working relationships and collaborate with SRD Aeromechanics leadership and all stakeholders, to include the Army Program Management customers.
  • Participate in Working Groups that facilitate collaboration between the Army and performers.
  • Review Army and performer documents related to flight control and handling qualities.
  • Review flight control laws and flight dynamics models.
  • Present technical recommendations to government lead and stakeholders.
  • Coordinate requirements development with functional divisions.
  • Analyze proposed designs; review airworthiness substantiations; review technical plans and/or reports; and evaluate technical data items.
  • Document and present program status and significant activities.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (or a related field) from an accredited college or university
  • Experience: Bachelor 12 years, Master 10 years, Ph.D. 7 years
  • 6 years or more experience in flight control law design
  • Skilled in MATLAB/Simulink
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Able to work independently
  • 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 aeronautical control systems
  • Experience in rotorcraft flight dynamics modeling and control law design
  • Experience with an airworthiness process
  • Familiar with CONDUIT and CIFER
  • Flight test and evaluation experience
  • 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

Salary.com Estimation for Rotorcraft Flight Controls and Handling Qualities Engineer (Senior, Airworthiness) in Huntsville, AL
$125,946 to $150,547
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