GNC Autopilot Engineer

Corvid is seeking a talented and motivated Autopilot Engineer to join our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) department in either our Mooresville, NC or Huntsville, AL office. In this role, you will be responsible for designing autopilot and guidance flight control systems and their implementation in the supersonic and hypersonic flight regimes. As a senior engineer, you will be responsible for owning autopilot subsystem requirements, plans to fulfill those requirements, and develop schedules for design, implementation, and verification phases for various programs. You will work with other GNC department employees in designing and analyzing Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) autopilot and guidance law algorithms for flight vehicle stabilization and control. Additionally, you will be responsible for identifying and mitigating risk to autopilot subsystems, and working with program management on program requirements and schedules.

The ideal candidate should enjoy developing models for high-speed aerospace vehicles, simulate the problems in Python and C++, and enjoy implementing the solutions in flight hardware.

Typical tasking will include:

• Develop, analyze, and integrate Multiple-Input Multiple-Output autopilot algorithms for flight vehicle stabilization and control
• Develop and analyze trajectory optimization and guidance methods
• Develop, test, and maintain autopilot and guidance algorithms in Corvid’s six degree of freedom simulation model.Support system-level performance analyses with Monte Carlo simulations using Corvid’s HPC environment
• Coordinate with external organizations for GNC subsystem planning, testing, and collaboration
• Support development of guided supersonic and hypersonic flight vehicles
• Develop test plans and conduct ground testing of GNC algorithms in Corvid’s GNC laboratories and other facilities
• Day-to-day informal and formal report generation
• Support flight testing

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering (Master’s degree or Ph.D. with a GNC focus preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in developing autopilot and guidance laws, particularly using modern control theory methods
• Proficiency with C++, Python, Linux, and Git version control
• Solid understanding of rigid body dynamics, IMU sensors, flight computer development, and flight code implementation. Demonstrated implementations of all inner-loop autopilot necessities (gain computation and margin analyses, gain scheduling, passive filters)
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear requirements and documentation

We value our employee-owners and in addition to providing challenging work opportunities and competitive pay, Corvid believes in providing a strong benefit package that provides value to our team members at all stages of their career.

Corvid benefits include:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan via our generous 401(k) Matching
• Medical Insurance via Blue Cross - including a PPO and High-Deductible offering (with company HSA contribution)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) based on years of industry experience (not tenure)
• Career Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Company provided life, long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Incentive opportunities to reward strong performance and corporate growth
• Attractive corporate facilities that include Lake Norman access, out-door activities (including grills) and more

Corvid Technologies is an engineering firm specializing in using high-fidelity, computational modeling and simulation to analyze, design and manufacture products for aerospace, DoD, and commercial customers. We offer a fast-paced and flexible work environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. Our team works on difficult, cutting-edge technical challenges using state-of-the-art technologies and resources.