Sr. Engineer, Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS)

Rise above. Are you ready to take human possibility to a new dimension with us?

Supernal is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company that’s developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the ground-to-air ecosystem to support the emerging industry. By creating a sustainable, integrated, and human-centered ecosystem, we are committed to taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to entering the AAM market with a product that meets the high level of safety and reliability in today’s air transportation system.

The future of mobility starts with people. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people’s ability to move – whether for work or play. Join our dynamic team as we strive to be a part of something greater where potential powers tomorrow!

Supernal provides an inviting open-space workplace designed to foster collaboration, which aligns with one of our core values. This position is required to work on-site 5 days a week.

What we do: 

The Sr. Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS) Engineer works with the Avionics Manager to establish architecture, define requirements, interfaces, and support system safety in the development of the Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS). This position helps to define the system standard methodologies and system philosophy. The Sr. Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS) Engineer acts with independence and minimum supervision, reaching out to the Avionics Manager for approval of deliverables and escalation of issues.  

What you can do:

• Lead the definition and review of the AFCS architecture, including hardware, software, and sensor definition
• Define the functional allocation of AFCS responsibilities across Flight Control, Avionics, Sensors, and other interfacing aircraft systems
• Specify and manage interfaces between Flight Control, Avionics, Sensors, and related systems to ensure alignment with AFCS requirements
• Define and manage system-level and lower-level requirements in compliance with certification standards (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254, DO-160, ARP4754A, and SC-VTOL or Part 23/27/29)
• Work in close collaboration with the Control Laws team to define algorithm requirements supporting AFCS functionality within the Flight Control System
• Collaborate with the Human Factors team to define Man-Machine Interface requirements related to AFCS functions
• Responsible for the technical interface with suppliers (mainly Avionics and Flight Control Systems) for the implementation of AFCS requirements
• Support and review system safety assessments and analyses related to AFCS functionality
• Define functional integration tests to validate system installation and performance on the aircraft
• Coordinate with the test team to specify laboratory and aircraft configurations required to support system-level testing and validation
• Support verification of AFCS requirements through laboratory, ground and flight test
• Define applicable certification requirements and means of compliance to be included in Avionics and Flight Control certification plans
• Interface with certification authorities to align on requirements and accepted means of compliance
• Other duties as assigned

What you can contribute:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, electrical, or a relevant engineering field required
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in AFCS (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered)
• Familiar with system safety including analyzing fault trees, system safety reliability, FHA, SSAs, common mode analysis, zonal analysis
• Some experience with control algorithms for aerospace
• Development standards:
  • Good understanding of ARP 4754A
  • Basic understanding of ARP 4761B
  • Good understanding of certification requirements (preferably FAA Parts 23, 25, 27, 29, or SC-VTOL)
• Experienced with Automatic Flight Controls System (or similar system) integration in the aircraft
• Experienced with verification of requirements in flight-test and/or lab environment
• Strong knowledge in defining, reviewing, and maintaining system requirements
• Highly collaborative and phenomenal communication skills
• Proactive delivery of communication and follow-up
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Must have the ability to independently prioritize and accomplish work within time constraints
• Self-motivated and forward-thinking personality
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink

Click HERE or visit: https://jobs.supernal.aero/benefits to view our benefits!

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other category or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at: ta-support@supernal.aero

This position may include access to certain technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. export controls laws and regulations. If an export authorization from an applicable US regulatory agency is required in connection with your employment, your employment is contingent upon Supernal’s receipt of such regulatory authorization(s) and your continued compliance with all conditions and limitations pursuant to such authorization(s).