Guidance Control & Navigation (GCN) Engineer

MARSS Group; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense technology firm in the UK is seeking a Guidance Control & Navigation Engineer who specializes in developing control strategies for autonomous drones. The role involves algorithm development, system integration, and requires expertise in Python programming and Behavior Trees. Candidates must be eligible for UK Security Clearance.

Qualifications

• Educational requirement is a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• Expert-level programming skills in Python for algorithm development and data analysis.
• Demonstrable experience with PX4 flight control and Behaviour Trees.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced guidance, navigation, and control algorithms.
• Develop mission logic and tactical decision-making sequences.
• Prototype and simulate algorithms using Python.

Skills

Algorithm Development

Python Proficiency

Behaviour Trees Expertise

Education

Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or Computer Science

Tools

PX4 flight control stack

Python

Job description

Guidance Control & Navigation (GCN) Engineer

Job Title: Guidance Control & Navigation (GCN) Engineer

Location: UK - Bristol (Hybrid)

Type: Full Time Employment

Position

This role focuses on designing, developing, and implementing next-generation targeting algorithms for high-performance autonomous drones. The ideal candidate will be a specialist in creating sophisticated control strategies for agile aerial platforms.

Main Responsibilities

• Algorithm Development: Design and implement advanced guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms, with a primary focus on skid-to-turn (STT) control for high-g manoeuvring and precision targeting.
• Behavioural Logic: Develop complex mission logic, tactical decision-making, and targeting sequences using Behaviour Trees.
• Prototyping & Simulation: Rapidly prototype, simulate, and validate algorithms using Python and its scientific computing stack (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib).
• System Integration: Integrate, test, and deploy GNC software on hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testbeds and flight hardware running the PX4 autopilot stack.
• Performance Analysis: Analyse simulation and flight test data to refine algorithm performance, ensuring robustness and reliability in dynamic environments.

Requirements

• Educational Background: A degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related technical field. A Masters or PhD is highly desirable.
• STT Specialism: Deep theoretical and practical knowledge of skid-to-turn guidance and control. You must understand the kinematics and be able to derive and implement the necessary control laws, such as commanding lateral acceleration based on velocity and flight path angle rate.
• Python Proficiency: Expert-level programming skills in Python for algorithm development, modelling, and data analysis.
• Behaviour Trees Expertise: Proven experience designing, implementing, and debugging complex autonomous behaviours using Behaviour Trees.
• PX4 Experience: Demonstrable, hands-on experience working with the PX4 flight control stack, including familiarity with its architecture, modules, and simulation tools (SITL/HIL).
• Core GNC Knowledge: Strong foundation in classical and modern control theory, vehicle dynamics, state estimation (e.g., Kalman filters), and navigation principles.
• Security Clearance: Due to the security requirements of this role, applicants must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance, which typically requires British citizenship.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Defense and Space Manufacturing

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