Founding GNC Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Founding GNC Engineer - Build and own guidance systems for next-generation space intercept platforms

El Segundo, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

Join a venture-backed defense technology startup building autonomous systems designed to operate in high-speed, contested environments. As a founding Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Engineer, you will own the full GNC stack, developing the algorithms and systems required for precision guidance and control under extreme conditions. This role is highly hands-on and cross-functional. You will design flight control architectures, build simulation environments, and work closely with hardware and software teams to deliver a fully integrated system. Your work will directly influence system performance, vehicle design, and overall mission success.

About Us

We are an early-stage engineering team focused on advancing autonomous aerospace systems for national security applications. The company is developing high-performance platforms that combine sensing, control, and propulsion into tightly integrated systems. With strong backing and an emphasis on rapid iteration, the team is focused on solving complex technical challenges with real-world impact.

Job Duties

• Design and implement guidance algorithms for midcourse and terminal phases under high-speed, nonlinear dynamics
• Develop intercept prediction methods using tracking data and state estimation inputs
• Build and tune control systems for aerodynamic surfaces, thrust vectoring, and impulse-based actuation
• Model actuator behavior including latency, bandwidth limits, and saturation effects
• Implement robust control strategies for high-rate, high-G maneuvering
• Develop state estimation pipelines using sensor fusion techniques across multiple data sources
• Build filtering and prediction systems that perform reliably under noise, timing variation, and environmental effects
• Create and maintain high-fidelity 6DOF simulations for system validation and design iteration
• Conduct hardware-in-the-loop testing with embedded systems and real sensor inputs
• Support ground and system-level testing, including data analysis and flight software refinement
• Collaborate with propulsion, perception, and embedded teams to ensure a reliable real-time GNC pipeline
• Influence vehicle design decisions through controllability and performance requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, robotics, controls, or related field
• Strong foundation in classical and modern control theory
• 3+ years of experience developing GNC systems, simulations, or control architectures
• Experience building 6DOF simulations using tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or C++
• Deep understanding of state estimation, nonlinear dynamics, and guidance methods
• Hands-on experience tuning control systems for autonomous vehicles, aerospace systems, or similar platforms
• Familiarity with coordinate systems, navigation transformations, and quaternion math
• Ability to work on-site in a fast-paced engineering environment
• U.S. citizenship required - must be able to obtain US security clearance

Preferred Experience

• Experience with high-speed flight systems, intercept problems, or hypersonic environments
• Familiarity with aerodynamics and actuator modeling for advanced control systems
• Experience with optimal control approaches such as MPC, LQR, or similar methods
• Background working with embedded systems or real-time control loops
• Experience integrating perception systems such as IR, EO, or computer vision into guidance pipelines
• Exposure to flight-qualified hardware, environmental testing, or system validation

Why Join Us

• Employer-paid benefits coverage
• Early-stage equity with meaningful ownership
• Founding-level role with significant influence on system architecture and company direction
• High-impact work focused on real-world national security challenges
• Fast-paced environment with direct exposure to hardware development and testing

Compensation Details

$130,000 - $180,000

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