GNC Engineer, Modeling & Simulation

Huntington Beach, California, United States

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach Industries is seeking a GNC Engineer, Modeling & Simulation to design, build, and maintain high-fidelity aircraft simulation environments in support of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) development. You will be responsible for realizing equations of motion in software, developing and validating aerodynamic and plant models, and creating the simulation infrastructure required for both software-in-the-loop (SITL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing.

This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of physics-based modeling, software development, and systems integration. You’ll collaborate closely with aerodynamicists, controls engineers, and hardware teams to ensure Mach’s autonomous platforms are accurately modeled and rigorously tested before flight.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain high-fidelity flight dynamics and vehicle simulation models.

Implement equations of motion in C++ and Python for real-time and offline simulation environments.

Collaborate with the aerodynamics team to incorporate aerodynamic models derived from CFD and wind tunnel testing.

Perform system identification and parameter estimation to generate accurate plant models.

Build and sustain simulation infrastructure supporting GNC verification and validation in SITL and HITL environments.

Develop test harnesses, logging frameworks, and automated validation tools for simulation assets.

Integrate with CI/CD pipelines to ensure continuous simulation regression testing and model integrity.

Document and maintain model assumptions, configurations, and validation results.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics.

3+ years of experience developing and deploying navigation or simulation systems.

Proficiency in C++ and Python, with strong understanding of software design for simulation environments.

Experience using modern software development tools such as Git and Jira.

Familiarity with CI/CD strategies and tools for code integration and automated testing.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience modeling fixed-wing aircraft dynamics and control systems.

Deep understanding of atmospheric flight kinematics and aerodynamics.

Familiarity with satellite constellation modeling or orbital mechanics.

Experience with radar seeker modeling and sensor integration.

Background in real-time systems or embedded simulation environments.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITARhere .

$135,000 - $185,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:

• Competitive Salaries : We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance-Based Incentives : Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation : We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages : Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development : We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Transparency : We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success.

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!

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