Guidance Navigation and Controls (GNC) Engineer I - Project Based

Job Description

Job Description

This is a project-based employee role supporting the development, integration, and validation of ASI's autonomous compactor platforms. Development phases of this nature typically continue through project completion, often spanning two to four years, although scope and duration are determined by business and customer needs.JOB SUMMARYThe Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Engineer I supports the development, integration, and testing of algorithms that enable ASI's autonomous compactors to navigate work areas, follow planned paths, maintain stable vehicle control, and complete compaction tasks safely and accurately. This role works with vehicle dynamics, localization, state estimation, path tracking, trajectory planning, and control systems to support autonomous operation in construction environments.As a Level I engineer within ASI's five-level engineering structure, this position completes defined engineering assignments under the guidance of more experienced engineers. The role provides practical experience in robotics, control systems, autonomous vehicle software, simulation, and heavy-equipment testing while contributing to the Compactor Team's development and validation goals.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESSupport the development, implementation, and testing of guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous compactor applicationsAssist with vehicle motion-control capabilities involving steering, propulsion, braking, speed control, path tracking, and trajectory followingSupport the development and tuning of feedback-control algorithms under the direction of experienced engineersAssist with localization and state-estimation solutions using GPS/GNSS, inertial sensors, encoders, vehicle feedback, and other system dataDevelop and maintain software components, scripts, simulations, and engineering tools for assigned GNC functionsSupport navigation and path-planning capabilities that allow autonomous compactors to move efficiently through defined work areasAssist with compaction-related behaviors such as route coverage, pass planning, overlap management, and work-area completionIntegrate assigned GNC software components into ASI's autonomous compactor platforms and embedded control systemsEvaluate assigned features using simulation, recorded-data replay, software-in-the-loop testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and vehicle field testingCollect and analyze vehicle logs to evaluate path accuracy, tracking error, controller response, localization performance, and system behaviorAssist with controller tuning on physical equipment under varying terrain, speed, and operating conditionsDevelop basic tools for data visualization, automated testing, simulation, controller analysis, and performance reportingTroubleshoot defined control, localization, software, sensor, and system-integration issues with support from experienced engineersCollaborate with perception engineers to integrate terrain, obstacle, and environmental information into navigation and control behaviorWork with embedded software engineers to integrate GNC algorithms with vehicle controllers, communication interfaces, and real-time systemsSupport test engineers and field testers in developing procedures, reproducing issues, and validating corrective actionsParticipate in code reviews, design discussions, sprint planning, technical training, and team development activitiesDocument software changes, algorithms, models, test results, technical findings, and known system limitationsSupport field testing, customer demonstrations, and deployment activities as requiredFollow established software-development, safety, quality, and configuration-management practicesESSENTIAL EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE, JOB SKILLSBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical fieldZero to two years of professional experience in controls, navigation, robotics, vehicle dynamics, autonomous systems, or software engineeringAcademic, internship, research, or project experience developing software in C++, Python, MATLAB, Simulink, or similar toolsBasic understanding of feedback control, PID control, system dynamics, stability, or vehicle-control principlesFamiliarity with localization, navigation, path planning, trajectory generation, or state-estimation conceptsBasic understanding of coordinate systems, transformations, vehicle kinematics, and sensor dataFamiliarity with Linux-based software-development environmentsBasic understanding of version-control systems such as GitAbility to analyze technical data and communicate findings clearlyStrong mathematical, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skillsStrong attention to detail and willingness to follow established engineering processesAbility to receive technical direction and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teamsStrong written and verbal communication skillsPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSInternship, research, capstone, or personal-project experience involving robotics, autonomous vehicles, controls, or mobile systemsFamiliarity with ROS, ROS2, or similar robotics middlewareExperience with MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C++, Gazebo, or comparable simulation and development toolsExposure to PID tuning, model-based design, system identification, or vehicle-dynamics modelingFamiliarity with Kalman filters, extended Kalman filters, or other state-estimation methodsExperience working with GPS/GNSS, RTK positioning, IMUs, encoders, odometry, or related sensorsExposure to embedded controllers, vehicle-control units, CAN communication, or drive-by-wire systemsExperience with software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, simulation, or recorded-data replay testingFamiliarity with construction equipment, compactors, heavy machinery, or off-road vehiclesInterest in soil compaction, route coverage, construction automation, or autonomous heavy equipmentExperience testing software or robotic systems in outdoor or field environmentsBENEFITSASI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:401k with employer matchGenerous HSA contributionPTO, paid holidays, and flextimeASI covers 90% of employee medical plan costsAt Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI), we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees and applicants have equal opportunities. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic. ASI complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding nondiscrimination in employment and is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process.This is a full-time, project-based employment opportunity. Your employment with ASI will be "at will," meaning that either you or ASI may terminate your employment at any time for any lawful reason, with or without cause or advance notice.