Flight Controls Lead

Dufour Aerospace is developing an eVTOL platform based on tilt-wing technology combined with a hybrid-electric propulsion approach. Dufour has refined its prototypes over hundreds of flights - both manned and unmanned. The combination of expertise in VTOL operation, aircraft design, and software development puts Dufour Aerospace at the forefront of Advanced Air Mobility.

Dufour is looking for experienced and enthusiastic domain experts to join us and contribute to our technology and product development journey. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Flight Controls Lead Engineer to join our growing team in Zurich, Switzerland.

You will become part of our talented flight control team with direct report to our Head of Control & Software. Your role will be to lead the design and implementation of the flight control algorithms for Dufour Aerospace aircraft.

Tasks

Your responsibilities are
- Lead the concept design, development and testing strategy of flight-by-wire and fly-by-light control laws for Aero 2 and Aero 3 aircrafts
- Collaborate with the Systems and Software engineering team to define requirements related to the flight control system and system safety.
- Support the systems engineering tasks related to the qualification of the Flight Control System including Failure Hazard Analysis, Validation and Verification Process, Cockpit Integration, Etc.
- Preparation and execution of flight control laws integration testing (SIL/HIL/Iron Bird)
- Preparation and support of flight test activities, analysis of flight test results
- Define the strategy for the validation and verification of control law requirements in both simulator and flight test
- Manage risks and issues and develop mitigation plans at all levels (short-term and long-term up to certification) to meet company milestones
- Actively shaping the processes and frameworks of the flight control law team

**Requirements**:
**Required**:

- Ph.D. in aeronautics/electrical engineering or similar degree
- 5 years of professional experience in flight control development, fly-by-wire systems
- Strong motivation to help build and shape your organization, structures and processes
- Leadership and project management track record (budgeting, staff planning, project scheduling and evaluation of execution)
- Familiarity with DO-178B/C
- Familiarity with EASA CS / FAA part 23/25/27/29, EASA SC-VTOL or other certification experience
- Prior exposure to safety/security mission objectives and requirements
- Profound conceptual and applied repertoire of tilt-wing or tilt-rotor transition maneuvers
- Certification in embedded electrical engineering and remote pilot license
- Experience in reviewing control system algorithms for UAVs or drones within a flight test environment
- Mature solution set for automated communication protocols between software and hardware systems
- Hands-on experience with prototyping and soldering
- Adeptness in designing, evaluating and realizing embedded avionics systems (communication, navigation and control)
- Excellent English language skills

**Desired**:

- Solid knowledge of C++, and Python
- Experience on aircraft with multiple different modes of flight, including vertical lift
- Experience building control laws for unmanned aircraft
- Experience with flight testing throughout the full envelope of UAM
- Experience in math model development of a physical system
- Hands-on problem-solving approach to engineering and excellent communication skills
- Passion for aviation and sustainable technology
- Knowledge of German or other languages

**Benefits**:
We offer flexible working hours with the possibility to get individual tasks done from home. We fuel our employees with coffee, tea, and snacks and do our utmost to provide whatever enables them to perform their best. Everyone in the company is free to organize or participate in social lunch opportunities and events.

If you ticked some boxes and feel attracted to this offer, send us your CV - and a motivation letter if you wish - to realize this opportunity.