Principal Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
We are seeking a Principal Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, and testing of the complete GNC architecture for an advanced aerospace platform. This is a highly visible technical leadership role with direct ownership over flight-critical algorithms and systems from simulation through live flight testing., * Design, develop, and maintain high-fidelity 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) simulations serving as the authoritative system model.
- Develop and implement guidance laws, state estimation algorithms, navigation solutions, and flight control systems.
- Design, tune, and validate autopilot architectures to meet mission requirements.
- Integrate GNC algorithms into production flight software operating on embedded, real-time systems.
- Lead hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and support live flight test activities.
- Analyze simulation and flight test data to improve system performance and reliability.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including software, avionics, autonomy, and systems engineering.
- Drive technical architecture decisions and establish best practices for GNC development.
- Support rapid prototyping and iterative development efforts., * The complete Guidance, Navigation & Control architecture.
- High-fidelity simulation development and maintenance.
- Autopilot, guidance, controls, and state estimation development.
- Integration of GNC software into flight systems.
- Validation through simulation, HIL testing, and live flight testing.
Requirements
Avionics, Debugging Visionary Innovation Algorithms Simulations Systems Design Flight Testing Flight Software Embedded Systems Rapid Prototyping Autonomous System Influencing Skills Security Clearance Time Off Management Technical Leadership Aerospace Engineering Test Execution Engine Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Six Degrees Of Freedom Artificial Intelligence Engineering Design Process C++ (Programming Language) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Influencing Without Authority Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) Iterative And Incremental Development, The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in flight dynamics, controls, estimation, and autonomous systems, along with the ability to take a system from concept through deployment in a fast-paced engineering environment., * Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
- Strong foundation in:
- Flight Dynamics
- Control Systems
- Guidance Algorithms
- Navigation and State Estimation
- Demonstrated experience developing systems end-to-end, from simulation through testing and deployment.
- Proficiency in modern C++ development for production environments.
- Experience with embedded systems and real-time software constraints.
- Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills for complex hardware and software systems.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Ability to work on-site in Tempe, Arizona.
- Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Approximately 5-10+ years of industry experience in GNC, flight controls, autonomy, or related fields.
- Experience supporting:
- Missile Systems
- Interceptors
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
- Autonomous Aerospace Platforms
- Hands-on experience with:
- 6DOF Simulation Development
- Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
- Flight Test Execution and Analysis
- Sensor Fusion
- Kalman Filtering
- Navigation Algorithms
- Experience in startup or rapid-development environments.
- Active security clearance or prior clearance eligibility., Multitasking Communication Mortgage Loans Detail Oriented Microsoft Office Vendor Management Analytical Skills, Innovation Safe Driving Communication Field Testing Detail Oriented Quality Control Quality Assurance Strong Work Ethic Project Management Good Driving Record Organizational Skills Valid Driver's License Artificial Intelligence Engineering Design Process Verbal Communication Skills +0
Google IT Automation with Python
Google Project Management Transmission Designer Actalent
Phoenix, AZ*Remote
Visionary Innovation 3D Modeling Coordinating Communication Detail Oriented Project Scoping Clash Detection Microsoft Office Power Distribution
Benefits & conditions
- Opportunity to develop a C++-first flight architecture.
- Rapid design, test, and iteration cycles with real-world hardware.
- Significant influence on system design and technical direction.
- Direct impact on a platform intended for near-term deployment and operational use.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Tempe, AZ. Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $200000.00/yr.
o Benefits: Nivagen offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being o Medical, dental and vision coverage o Paid time off plan o 401k savings plan Workplace Type