Job description
Embark on a journey with QDSS at the forefront of technological innovation as we seek talented Engineers to shape the future of cutting-edge projects and contribute to a culture of excellence and creativity. What we do matters.
Quest Defense Systems and Solutions is seeking a highly experienced and self-motivated Flight Control Systems Engineer to join our team. This role focuses on the integration, characterization, and verification of electro-mechanical actuator systems within our client’s advanced Flight Control System (FCS). The engineer will work across mechanical, electrical, software, and control law teams to ensure actuators perform correctly within the closed-loop control environment. A key portion of this role includes helping set up and automate actuator test rigs using LabVIEW, DAQ hardware, and system instrumentation. The ideal candidate will be a systems level engineer who is comfortable working hands-on with hardware, supporting troubleshooting, defining test setups, and ensuring actuator performance meets program requirements.
This role is remote but will require onsite onboarding for 2 weeks with potential of additional travel as needed for verification. Due to the nature of this role, US Citizenship is required.
Responsibilities may include:
Integrating electro-mechanical actuators into the Flight Control System and validating performance across command paths and closed-loop behavior
Supporting actuator hardware bring-up, calibration, and bench-level verification
Defining, configuring, and troubleshooting actuator test stands (SIL/HIL or lab rigs)
Developing or modifying LabVIEW scripts to automate data acquisition, control, and test execution
Reviewing actuator control requirements, ICDs, and command/feedback signal paths
Performing actuator characterization activities (latency, rate limits, bandwidth, current draw, fault behavior)
Collaborating with Control Laws, Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, and Avionics teams to resolve integration issues
Supporting the development and execution of test procedures, acceptance tests, and performance verification
Analyzing test data to validate actuator and system performance
Documenting results, findings, and integration notes in accordance with program and regulatory requirements
Providing engineering input to design reviews, integration plans, and verification strategies
Supporting investigations into anomalies, sensor issues, or actuator behavior discrepancies
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
7+ years of experience in Flight Control Systems, actuator integration, or electro-mechanical system integration
Strong understanding of servo actuators, EMAs/EHSAs, signal interfaces, and closed-loop control behavior
Hands-on experience working with hardware test setups, rigs, DAQ systems, or instrumentation
Experience developing test automation or data acquisition tooling using LabVIEW
Ability to read/interpret engineering requirements, ICDs, electrical schematics, and control system diagrams
Strong troubleshooting skills with electro-mechanical systems
Ability to work onsite in a fast-paced lab environment and collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Controls Engineering, or related discipline
Experience working on flight controls, vehicle systems, or high-authority actuation systems
Experience with HIL/SIL testing environments or actuator characterization test benches
Familiarity with control law implementation, system dynamics, and actuator modeling
Experience in aerospace development under FAA, military, or DARPA programs
Certification with LabVIEW (CLAD/CLD) or prior advanced LabVIEW scripting
Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, dSPACE, National Instruments DAQ hardware, or test automation frameworks
Previous experience with high-speed VTOL, helicopter, or fixed-wing flight control systems
Why QDSS:
We’re a family-like-company. We are collaborative. We believe in embracing change. We believe in doing consistent good work. QDSS houses smart, curious and passionate about “making a difference” people. Our company culture sets us apart from others as well as:
401k with Employer-Match Contributions
Medical, Dental, and Life coverage
Disability Benefits
Generous compensation structure
Significant opportunities for advancement
Next Generation / Cutting Edge Technology Projects
Certification Assistance Available (Approval Required)
Flexible, Friendly and Fun work environment
Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications
Pay Ranges
$131,500—$160,000 USD
At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don’t just build technology — we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart — not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry — we’re revolutionizing it.
Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
