Flight Dynamics Modelling 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

You will build and validate flight dynamics models for Helsing's aerial platforms. The work runs from first principles, through numerical simulation and test campaigns, to validation against flight-test data. These models feed directly into control law design, simulation environments and autonomy development, so their accuracy sets how quickly and safely new capabilities reach the air. You will work in a small team alongside control, aerodynamics and test engineers, specify the experiments needed to verify each model, and report the results to internal teams and external partners.

The day-to-day

• Develop flight dynamics models for aerial platforms end to end, from model architecture and specification through to validation against flight-test data

• Specify and run numerical and experimental campaigns, and set the acceptance criteria that decide when a model is fit for use in simulation and control design

• Work with the control, aerodynamics and test teams so that models feed directly into control law design, simulation environments and autonomy development

• Attend and analyse flight tests, turning telemetry and anomalies into measurable gains in model fidelity

• Document and present model assumptions, limitations and validation results so that programme decisions rest on evidence

You should apply if you

• Have built and validated flight dynamics models from first principles, and tested them against real flight or experimental data

• Bring a thorough grounding in aerodynamics, stability and control, and systems modelling, gained through an engineering degree or equivalent practice

• Work fluently in Matlab and Simulink

• Write clean, well-structured code in Matlab and at least one of Python, Rust, Java or modern C++

• Report findings clearly, in writing and in person, to technical and non-technical audiences

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 applied system identification, control systems design or applied aerodynamics in a flight programme

• Have deployed dynamics models onto real-time test rigs, such as hardware-in-the-loop setups

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.