Flight Control Systems Verification & Validation Engineer

Long Beach, CA

Today’s aircraft contribute around 4% of global CO2 emissions, equivalent to the emissions of 200 million cars. This is only going to increase:
Air travel is forecasted to double by 2050, while meaningful efficiency gains using current airplanes have hit a wall.

Jet Zero is developing a blended‑wing body (BWB) aircraft. It uses up to 50% less fuel and will be built to accommodate zero‑emission hydrogen propulsion. Jet Zero is the inevitable solution to sustainable air travel.

We are experienced aerospace professionals and engineers, excited about the future. That future will only be possible if we share our vision and what it means to people’s lives: carbon‑free flight that is better for both passengers and airlines around the world.

Jet Zero is seeking an experienced Flight Control System Validation & Verification (V&V) Engineer to lead and execute system‑level verification and validation activities for the Flight Control System (FCS) on the BWB Demonstrator. This role focuses on ensuring that the integrated FCS—hardware, software, avionics, sensors, actuators, and interfaces—meets functional, performance, safety, and certification requirements across all operating conditions.

The position is oriented toward end‑to‑end system V&V, including requirements compliance, integration verification, robustness, and flight airworthiness.

• Plan, develop, and execute system‑level V&V strategies for the Flight Control System across the full development lifecycle.
• Own and maintain FCS verification plans, procedures, and matrices, ensuring alignment with program milestones and certification objectives.
• Perform requirements‑based and function‑based verification, including allocation, traceability, coverage analysis, and closure of verification objectives.
• Verify FCS functional performance, mode logic, redundancy management, reversion strategies, and fault detection/accommodation.
• Execute and oversee verification activities in model‑in‑the‑loop (MIL), software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL), hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) environments with emphasis on integrated system behavior.
• Coordinate interface verification between the FCS and avionics, sensors, actuators, propulsion, and vehicle systems.
• Support robustness, failure case, and abnormal/emergency scenario testing, including batch and Monte‑Carlo testing.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineering, software, avionics, safety, and flight test teams to ensure cohesive system verification.
• Support safety assessments (e.g., FHA, FTA, SSA) by providing verification evidence and technical substantiation.
• Identify verification risks, gaps, and anomalies; lead investigation, root cause analysis, and closure activities.
• Prepare, review, and deliver verification reports, compliance data packages, and certification artifacts.
• Contribute to the definition and improvement of V&V processes and standards for advanced and unconventional aircraft systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in flight control system or avionics system validation & verification.
• Strong experience with system‑level V&V of safety‑critical aerospace systems.
• Solid understanding of FCS architectures, redundancy management, and system integration principles.
• Experience with model‑based verification and simulation‑driven test environments.
• Proficiency with tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, scripting languages, and test automation frameworks.
• Experience working with requirements management and traceability tools.
• Ability to operate effectively in a highly integrated, fast‑moving development program.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.

• Experience with unconventional or novel aircraft configurations (e.g., BWB, tailless, highly integrated flight controls).
• Familiarity with handling quality standards and guidance (e.g., MIL‑STD‑1797 or equivalent).
• Experience supporting piloted simulation labs or flight test campaigns.
• Exposure to certification‑related control law verification and compliance documentation.
• Master’s degree in…