Systems Engineer – Stability and Control

Job Title: Systems Engineer – Stability and Control

Department: Engineering

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Reporting To: Lead Systems Engineer / Chief Engineer

Job Purpose

The Systems Engineer – Stability and Control is responsible for the analysis, modeling, design, and validation of flight dynamics, stability, and control systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This role ensures that platform-level control characteristics meet operational, safety, and regulatory requirements. The position is key to defining aerodynamic control effectiveness, handling qualities, and flight safety margins across multiple mission profiles.

Key Responsibilities

Stability & Control Analysis

• Perform longitudinal and lateral-directional stability analyses using linear and non-linear models across various UAV configurations.
• Define control surface sizing, actuator response, and control authority based on aerodynamic and mission requirements.
• Evaluate natural modes, handling qualities, and stability margins throughout the flight envelope, including during launch, transition, and recovery.
• Modeling, Simulation & Control Design
• Develop 6-DOF flight dynamics models using MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent tools for simulation and control system integration.
• Support the design and tuning of autopilot control laws (e.g., PID, LQR, gain-scheduled controllers) to meet stability and performance criteria.
• Integrate aerodynamic and mass properties data into dynamic models for high-fidelity simulation.

Verification, Testing & Validation

• Define and execute Verification & Validation (V&V) strategies for stability and control requirements through simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight test campaigns.
• Analyze flight test telemetry to assess dynamic response, control stability, and trim conditions.
• Support wind tunnel testing, ground testing, and flight testing, including pre- and post-flight predictions and analyses.

System Integration & Interdisciplinary Coordination

• Work closely with aerodynamics, flight controls, avionics, mechanical systems, and software engineering teams to ensure control system integration and compatibility.
• Provide input to airworthiness assessments, safety analysis, and certification documents, including handling qualities evaluations per MIL-F-8785C or similar standards.

Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare and maintain technical documentation including control system models, stability reports, control surface effectiveness data, and compliance matrices.
• Ensure alignment with applicable UAV and aerospace standards, including CS-UAS, MIL-STD-1797, DO-178C.

Qualifications & Experience

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Flight Mechanics, Control Systems Engineering, or equivalent (REQUIRED)
• Master’s Degree in Flight Dynamics, Control Engineering, or related specialization (PREFERRED)

Professional Experience

• Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years focused on flight stability, dynamics, and control systems in aerospace or UAV applications.
• Experience with UAVs, fixed-wing, VTOL, or hybrid platforms is preferred.

Technical Skills

Proficient in:

• Flight dynamics and control modeling using MATLAB/Simulink, X-Plane, or Flight Gear
• Control system design and tuning (classical and modern control methods)
• Use of stability and control analysis tools (AVL, XFOIL, Athena Vortex Lattice, or equivalent)

Strong understanding of:

• Aerodynamic stability principles
• Control surface effectiveness and actuator limitations
• Coupling effects, flutter margins, and flight envelope constraints

Familiarity with:

• Airworthiness and stability standards (e.g., MIL-F-8785C, MIL-HDBK-1797)
• CFD and mass property data integration
• DO-160, DO-178C, or equivalent aerospace standards

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent technical communication and documentation skills
• Systems-oriented mindset with the ability to integrate across disciplines
• Strategic thinker with attention to flight safety and operational effectiveness
• Comfortable in collaborative, fast-paced development environments

Preferred Certifications

• INCOSE ASEP or CSEP – Preferred
• Certification in control systems, UAV dynamics, or flight simulation tools – Advantageous
• AS9100D or ISO 9001 Quality System awareness – Preferred

Additional Requirements

• Must be eligible for UAE defense/security clearance
• Willingness to travel for wind tunnel testing, flight test campaigns, or design reviews
• Fluent in English (Arabic is a plus)
• Willingness to relocate to UAE