Principal Flight Control System Engineer

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At Boom, we’re redefining what’s possible in aerospace. From XB-1, our supersonic demonstrator, to Overture, our commercial airliner, we’ve proven that ambitious goals can be achieved by small, high-performing teams solving hard problems with precision and creativity.

As Principal Flight Control System Engineer, you’ll lead development of one of the most safety-critical systems on the airplane. You won’t just be tuning a control loop—you’ll architect the full system: designing control laws from first principles, integrating actuators, and proving performance across every phase of flight.

This is a front-row seat to the future of flight. You’ll work side-by-side with aerodynamicists, systems engineers, and test pilots to turn theoretical control strategies into certified, flyable reality. The work is rigorous, fast-paced, and deeply collaborative—and the impact is tangible.

Role Overview

As part of a fast-paced innovative team, you’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering groups on the design, analysis, testing, and certification of the flight control systems for our next-generation aircraft. We’re seeking out candidates with deep, hands-on experience across aircraft programs or complex platforms, with a proven track record of driving innovation and integration in advanced control systems. 

You'll have specific expertise in control law development, flight control computers, remote electronics, electric and hydraulic actuation, control surface design, and integration of high-lift devices such as spoilers and fowler flaps. In addition to providing technical guidance on development of the system, and serving as the technical lead for the design and development of aircraft flight control systems, you will: 

• Lead the development, implementation, and validation of advanced control laws to achieve precise aircraft handling qualities, performance optimization, and stability across all flight regimes
• Lead aircraft Safety of Flight (SOF) activities, including providing technical data packages, participating in design reviews, and supporting flight test campaigns 
• Design and integrate flight control computers, remote electronics, and electro-hydraulic actuation components 
• Optimize the design of control surfaces, including spoilers and high-lift devices, to meet aerodynamic and structural requirements 
• Perform engineering analysis, trade studies, and design optimization to ensure flight control systems meet performance, reliability, and safety requirements
• Spearhead the development of qualification test plans for flight control system components and assemblies, ensuring comprehensive testing strategies that align with industry standards and Safety of Flight (SOF) requirements
• Provide strategic mentorship and technical leadership to junior engineers and technicians, cultivating deep expertise in advanced flight control system design, analysis, and integration

The Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, with deep knowledge of control system development
• Proven track record developing control laws and integrating complex systems including flight control computers, electric and hydraulic actuators, and dissimilar hardware/software
• Expert in flight control system architecture, design, analysis, and verification—capable of leading development efforts across the full aircraft lifecycle
• Experienced in leading multidisciplinary teams through complex technical challenges with excellent problem-solving and leadership capabilities
• Proficient in analytical tools and scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Excel), including Model-Based Development and Model-Based Systems Engineering
• Skilled in actuator trade studies with emphasis on electric actuation and More Electric Aircraft concepts

What Will Set You Apart 

• Experience with Part 25 FAA/EASA System Specific Certification, demonstrating success engaging with regulatory authorities: leading technical discussions, resolving certification issues, and preparing compliance documentation
• Experience in strategic coordination with regulatory authorities (e.g., FAA, EASA) to demonstrate comprehensive compliance with airworthiness standards and secure critical certifications
• Demonstrated end-to-end ownership of flight control systems on a certified aircraft program—from concept through integration, flight test, and certification
• Extensive hands-on experience with fly-by-wire and active control technologies, including digital flight control system design, integration, and validation for high-performance, safety-critical applications
• Proven leadership in system integration testing across bench, sub-system, and full system levels—utilizing Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) with actual flight hardware
• Deep understanding of aviation standards and certification frameworks, including RTCA DO-178C, SAE ARP 4754B, and FAA/EASA compliance protocol
• Expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), including SysML modeling, digital thread implementation, and use of digital twins for design traceability and lifecycle coherence
• Experience deriving certifiable flight software from MBSE models using FAA-approved toolchains
• Strong project leadership skills with a track record of delivering complex flight control systems through cross-functional coordination, technical rigor, and regulatory alignment

Compensation

The Base Salary Range for this position is $174,000 - $220,000 per year. Actual salaries will vary based on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of Boom’s total rewards package for employees. Other rewards may include long term incentives/equity, a flexible PTO policy, and many other progressive benefits.

There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.

ITAR Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government aerospace technology export regulations (ITAR and EAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Boom is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. 

Want to build a faster future? Come join Boom.