Flight Control Systems Engineer

Who we are

Helsing is a defence AI company. Our mission is to protect our democracies. We aim to achieve technological leadership, so that open societies can continue to make sovereign decisions and control their ethical standards.

As democracies, we believe we have a special responsibility to be thoughtful about the development and deployment of powerful technologies like AI. We take this responsibility seriously.

We are an ambitious and committed team of engineers, AI specialists and customer-facing programme managers. We are looking for mission-driven people to join our European teams, and apply their skills to solve the most complex and impactful problems. We embrace an open and transparent culture that welcomes healthy debates on the use of technology in defence, its benefits, and its ethical implications.

The role

As a Flight Control Systems Engineer, you will shape and deliver a fly-by-wire flight control system, from first architecture sketch to first flight. You will define the system, guide it through every development stage with our engineering teams and industrial partners, and see it integrated onto the flying platform. Certification sits at the heart of the work: you will build the safety and compliance evidence that allows our aircraft to fly. You will collaborate with a team of specialists across avionics, software, safety and programme management, and your decisions will set the technical direction for a capability that European armed forces depend on.

The day-to-day

• Define the system architecture and requirements baseline for flight control, vehicle management and flight management functions, in collaboration with internal teams and industrial partners

• Steer the systems engineering lifecycle from requirements capture through integration, verification and qualification, keeping delivery aligned with programme milestones

• Produce certification and compliance evidence to ARP4754, ARP4761, DO-178C and DO-254, ensuring the platform meets aviation and regulatory standards

• Coordinate avionics hardware and software integration with suppliers and partners, resolving technical risks before they reach the flight test campaign

• Report progress, trade-offs and technical changes to Chief Engineering and Programme Management, so decisions are made on clear evidence

You should apply if you

• Have designed and developed flight control hardware and software for an airborne platform, covering systems engineering, safety and avionics integration

• Apply system-level (ARP4754, ARP4761) and item-level (DO-178C, DO-254) standards to safety-critical systems in practice, not just in principle

• Bring deep knowledge of flight control laws and air vehicle management systems

• Have taken a system through certification with a civil or military aviation authority

• Communicate technical results clearly to engineers, partners and non-specialist stakeholders alike

Note: We operate in an industry where women, as well as other minority groups, are systematically under-represented. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the listed qualifications; ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points.

Nice to have

• Have worked on uncrewed or optionally crewed platforms

• Use model-based systems engineering tools and methods in your day-to-day practice

What we offer

• Competitive salary and VSOP options

• Relocation support: up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation

• Learning: €500/£450 yearly allowance

• Health & wellness: gym membership and mental health support (Nilo.health)

• Social: regular company events and monthly social allowances

• Enhanced parental leave: 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers & 6 weeks for secondary caregivers

• Family support: 5 days of paid family emergency leave, 100% remote work option during pregnancy and phased return to work

These are the core benefits across all locations; there may be additional benefits in specific sites.

Helsing is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. Please do not submit personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning your health, or data concerning your sexual orientation.

  Helsing's Candidate Privacy and Confidentiality Regime can be found here.