Lead GNC Engineer

About the Job

Job Title: Lead GNC Engineer

Location: Broomfield, CO

Clearance: U.S. Citizenship Required (ITAR/DoW Programs)

Company Summary

Astra Core-X (ACX) is developing affordable and capable combined ramjet/rocket missile interceptors for the defense of the US and our allies. ACX is rapidly bringing this capability to market by incorporating the latest manufacturing processes and technological advancements, with solid financial backing, under the guidance and support of world-class industry experts and leading research institutions.

Job Description

We are seeking a Lead Guidance, Navigation, & Controls (GNC) Engineer to develop and implement advanced control laws, stability augmentation, and dynamic modeling for our highspeed combined ramjet/rocket missile interceptors. You will ensure robust maneuvering, attitude control, and successful transition between flight phases.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop and implement flight control algorithms for both boost and ramjet phases

· Analyze vehicle stability and dynamic behavior during boost, transition and sustain

· Build and validate linear/nonlinear models of vehicle dynamics

· Integrate control laws with propulsion inputs and guidance requirements

· Support simulation environment development (MATLAB/Simulink, Python)

· Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations and software testing

Required Qualifications

· BS in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, or other relevant areas

· 3-10 years of experience in flight control, stability, or vehicle dynamics

· Demonstrated experience with control law development and implementation

· Strong skills in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or equivalent modeling tools

· Experience with multi-phase flight regimes and dynamic simulations

· Strong verbal and written communication skills

· US citizen, with eligibility for government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

· MS or PhD in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, or other relevant areas

· 10+ years of experience with missiles, UAVs, or other high-speed flight control systems

· Background in model validation, HIL simulation, or embedded control testing

· Familiarity with propulsion/vehicle interaction during variable thrust events

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Active US government security clearance

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this role is $150K-$220K, depending on experience and scope. ACX offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one. We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match. Every role at ACX is bonus eligible.

Equal Opportunity

ACX is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.