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

Job Description

Job Description

This is a project-based employee role supporting the development, integration, and validation of ASI's autonomous dozer 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 III develops, integrates, and validates algorithms that enable ASI's autonomous dozers to navigate work sites, follow planned paths, maintain stable vehicle control, and complete earthmoving tasks accurately and safely. This role works with vehicle dynamics, localization, state estimation, trajectory planning, path tracking, and control systems to support reliable autonomous operation in challenging construction environments.As a Level III engineer within ASI's five-level engineering structure, this position independently contributes to moderately complex GNC features and subsystem improvements while receiving guidance on broader architectural and system-level decisions. The role collaborates with perception, embedded software, systems, test, and field operations teams to improve autonomous dozer performance across uneven terrain, changing soil conditions, slopes, confined work areas, and active construction sites.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop, implement, integrate, and validate guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous dozer applicationsContribute to vehicle motion control, path tracking, trajectory following, steering, propulsion, braking, and speed-control capabilitiesDevelop and tune feedback-control algorithms to improve vehicle stability, accuracy, responsiveness, and operational performanceSupport navigation capabilities that allow autonomous dozers to move safely and efficiently through defined work areasDevelop and improve localization and state-estimation solutions using GPS/GNSS, inertial sensors, wheel or track feedback, and other vehicle dataContribute to trajectory-generation and path-planning solutions for earthmoving, grading, cut-and-fill, site preparation, and related workflowsSupport integration between vehicle motion control, blade-control systems, perception outputs, and task-planning softwareOwn defined GNC features and moderately complex assignments from development through integration, testing, and field validationDevelop models of vehicle dynamics and system behavior to support controller design, simulation, and performance analysisTune control parameters on physical equipment and evaluate performance across different terrain, payload, speed, and operating conditionsEvaluate GNC performance using simulation, software-in-the-loop testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, recorded-data replay, and full-machine field testingEstablish measurable performance criteria for assigned features, including path accuracy, tracking error, stability, response time, and task completionAnalyze vehicle logs and field data to identify performance limitations, control instability, localization errors, and edge casesDevelop tools and scripts for simulation, data processing, visualization, automated testing, controller tuning, and performance analysisTroubleshoot issues involving control behavior, localization, vehicle interfaces, sensor timing, coordinate systems, and system integrationCollaborate with perception engineers to ensure environmental and terrain information supports safe navigation and control decisionsWork with embedded software engineers to integrate GNC algorithms into real-time vehicle-control systemsPartner with test engineers and field testers to develop test procedures, reproduce issues, and verify corrective actionsParticipate in design reviews, code reviews, sprint planning, and technical investigationsDocument algorithms, mathematical models, software interfaces, assumptions, test results, and known system limitationsSupport customer demonstrations, field deployments, and troubleshooting activities as requiredESSENTIAL EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE, JOB SKILLSBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical fieldTypically five or more years of experience developing controls, navigation, robotics, vehicle-dynamics, state-estimation, or autonomous-system softwareStrong understanding of classical and modern control theory, including feedback control, PID control, stability, and system dynamicsExperience developing and tuning control algorithms on physical robotic, automotive, aerospace, industrial, or heavy-equipment systemsExperience with localization, navigation, trajectory generation, path tracking, or state estimationProficiency in C++ and Python, MATLAB/Simulink, or comparable engineering toolsExperience developing software in Linux-based environmentsFamiliarity with ROS, ROS2, or comparable robotics middlewareUnderstanding of coordinate systems, transformations, vehicle kinematics, and vehicle dynamicsExperience using simulation and test data to evaluate algorithm and system performanceExperience developing production-quality software using version control, peer review, automated testing, and continuous integration practicesAbility to analyze complex system behavior and troubleshoot software, sensor, and vehicle-integration issuesStrong analytical, mathematical, and technical problem-solving skillsStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work effectively with cross-functional engineering and field teamsPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster 's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Controls, or a related disciplineExperience developing GNC systems for autonomous vehicles, construction equipment, heavy machinery, mobile robots, or off-road platformsKnowledge of dozer operations, grading, earthmoving, cut-and-fill, site preparation, or construction workflowsExperience with model-based design, system identification, controller tuning, or vehicle-dynamics modelingExperience with Kalman filters, extended Kalman filters, particle filters, or other state-estimation methodsExperience with GNSS, RTK positioning, IMUs, odometry, encoders, and multi-sensor localizationFamiliarity with optimization-based control, model predictive control, trajectory optimization, or motion planningExperience integrating algorithms with vehicle-control units, embedded controllers, CAN networks, or drive-by-wire systemsExperience with MATLAB/Simulink, C++, Python, Gazebo, or similar simulation and development toolsExperience with software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and recorded-data replay testingFamiliarity with functional safety concepts and validation practices for autonomous or safety-critical systemsExperience validating control systems in high-vibration, dusty, uneven, off-road, construction, mining, or industrial 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.