GCN Engineer

DCS Recruitment Limited; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology-focused company in the UK is seeking a GCN Engineer to design advanced algorithms for drones. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant field and strong skills in Python and autonomous behavior development. The role offers a salary of £70,000-£80,000 and a collaborative hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid work

Collaborative culture

Long-term career opportunities

Qualifications

• In-depth expertise in skid-to-turn control strategies.
• Advanced Python programming for algorithm development.
• Hands-on experience with autonomous behaviour development.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced guidance algorithms.
• Create and refine mission logic for autonomy.
• Build and validate algorithms in Python.
• Deploy and test GNC software on flight units.
• Analyse simulation and test data for improvements.

Skills

Skid-to-turn control strategies

Python programming

Behaviour Trees

Control theory

Vehicle dynamics

Education

Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or Computer Science

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

PX4 flight software

Job description

Guidance Control & Navigation (GCN) Engineer

Location: Bristol, UK (Hybrid)

Salary: £70,000-£80,000

Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Opportunity

A technology-focused company based in the UK is seeking a specialist in Guidance, Control, and Navigation to help design cutting‑edge algorithms for autonomous aerial platforms. The business balances growth opportunities, robust support, and the agility of a scale‑up culture, empowering engineers to develop solutions which advance global safety.

The Role

• Algorithm Development: Design and implement advanced guidance, navigation, and control algorithms (notably skid‑to‑turn control) for precision targeting and agile drone manoeuvres.
• Behavioural Logic: Create and refine sophisticated mission logic for autonomy and targeting using Behaviour Trees.
• Prototyping & Simulation: Build and validate algorithms in Python, working with leading scientific computing libraries.
• Integration: Deploy and test GNC software on hardware‑in‑the‑loop systems and operational flight units, using the PX4 autopilot.
• Performance Analysis: Analyse simulation and real‑world test data; adapt approaches to ensure robust, reliable operation in dynamic scenarios.

Essential Criteria

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related subject. A postgraduate qualification is highly desirable.
• In‑depth expertise in skid‑to‑turn control strategies, including control law derivation and implementation.
• Advanced Python programming for algorithm development and data analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with autonomous behaviour development using Behaviour Trees.
• Substantial applied knowledge of PX4 flight software.
• Strong foundation in control theory, state estimation (e.g., Kalman filtering), vehicle dynamics, and navigation.
• Eligible for UK national security clearance.

Benefits

• Salary band £70,000-£80,000 (depending on experience)
• Flexible hybrid work
• Fast‑moving, collaborative, learning‑focused culture
• Genuine long‑term career opportunities working on advanced technology

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement

This company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality.

To be considered please hit Apply, alternatively contact Chris Prendergast at DCS Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email (email address removed).