Head of GNC

Job Description

Job Description

Long Wall Company was created in 2024 to accelerate missile defense technology for the U.S. and our allies. We specialize in ballistic missile defense and are developing Cyclops, a low-cost, mass-producible interceptor. We also produce containerized launchers and offer low-cost targets for threat replication. The future of global security depends on defensive technology that redefines cost, magazine depth, and distribution to deter and defend against evolving threats. Join us.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

Mission-Driven Problem Solvers – The problems in missile defense demand ingenuity. We want engineers who approach challenges with curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and stay focused on delivering the best solution for the mission.

Total Ownership – We seek engineers who take full responsibility for delivering flight-ready work while recognizing that no one succeeds alone. The best engineers make their teammates better, knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success.

Head of GNC

A Head of GNC knows not only how to steer vehicles under both endo- and exo-atmospheric conditions but can also lead across teams to push complex problems toward reliable, simple, robust solutions. You will have the opportunity to be a key member of a small team of mechanical, fluid, and electrical engineers working to develop innovative deployable launch solutions that enable the rapid deployment of Long Wall launch and test systems. This is a role that contributes to every mission and every flight we fly as we continue to reimagine the future of missile defense systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform and lead GNC system development, implementation, integration, and testing
• Gather, define, and document requirements to support mission and/or trajectory
• Develop GNC algorithms, models, and software
• Develop, analyze, and review data to validate and verify system meets specifications and design requirements
• Perform modeling and simulation tasks to validate system design and performance
• Perform GNC system integration, checkout, and troubleshooting of anomalies
• Perform and direct test planning, development of test procedures, and test execution
• Develop sensor and support Avionics systems requirements
• Support critical sensor (e.g., IMU) system engineering, integration, and test
• Support critical controller (e.g., Thrust Vector Control Actuators, Throttle Valves) system engineering, integration, and test
• Mission-specific analysis for customer launch and in support of business development
• Perform "Hardware in the Loop" (HITL) testing/simulation prior to launch on both the testbed and integrated launch vehicle
• Mentor younger engineers and help develop their technical skill sets
• Step up as a leader to be at the forefront of solving the most challenging and impactful technical issues

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. degree from an accredited university
• 6+ years of experience in the development of aircraft, missile, spacecraft or similar vehicle GNC system

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCES:

• Deep expertise in developing GNC systems for aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, or similar vehicles
• Proficiency in modeling, simulation, and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink)
• Experience developing and validating GNC algorithms, models, and flight software
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and drive complex problems to simple, robust solutions
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, control theory, and trajectory analysis

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCES:

• M.S. or PhD degree from an accredited university
• Demonstrated skills in modeling, simulation, and analysis software such as MATLAB/Simulink and experience in at least one or more high-level programming languages (e.g., C, C++, or FORTRAN)
• Experience in modeling of interception control systems
• Experience with hypersonic flight regime control systems
• Proficiency in trajectory planning/design and optimization algorithms or tools (e.g., POST2)
• Day of launch or on-orbit systems support, including launch limits and loads/GNC capabilities evaluation
• Demonstrated leadership of or within a small project team
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex and difficult technical problems with simple, robust solutions

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
• Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and telepresence
• Ability to pick up to 50lbs
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

This is the lowest-to-highest compensation range we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

In addition to base pay and equity, we offer:

• Heavily employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Long Wall paid life insurance and LTD coverage
• 4% 401k match
• Student loan repayment assistance program
• Paid parental leave
• Family planning assistance program
• Long Wall's financial wellness program
• Paid time off for non-exempt employees and a flexible vacation policy for exempt employees

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.