UK - Guidance Control & Navigation (GCN) Engineer

MARSS Group; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global tech solution provider in Bristol is seeking a GCN Engineer to design and implement advanced guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous drones. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a technical field, expertise in Python, and experience with the PX4 flight control stack. This full-time position is hybrid, offering the chance to work on innovative projects that protect lives and assets worldwide.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD is highly desirable.
• Understanding of skid-to-turn guidance principles.
• Experience with vehicle dynamics and navigation.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced GNC algorithms.
• Develop mission logic and tactical decision-making.
• Prototype and validate algorithms using Python.
• Test and deploy GNC software.
• Analyze simulation and flight test data.

Skills

Algorithm Development

Python Proficiency

STT Specialism

Behaviour Trees Expertise

Core GNC Knowledge

Education

Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or Computer Science

Tools

Python

PX4 Flight Control Stack

Job description

Job Title: Guidance Control & Navigation (GCN) Engineer

Location: UK - Bristol (Hybrid)

Type: Full Time Employment

Help us make a difference …

In 2005, MARSS began life as a simple concept for an autonomous vessel docking system. Since then the company has expanded rapidly, evolving into a highly successful and diverse global tech solution provider protecting millions of lives, critical infrastructure, military and civil assets throughout the world.

At the heart of all MARSS systems is NiDAR Core - our IoT platform fusing hybrid intelligence and best of breed sensors to provide 360° situational awareness and surveillance, strengthening defense, security and safety.

MARSSians take pride in developing innovative solutions to protect against emerging threats, and working closely with our customers to solve their specific problems without compromising on quality.

MARSS is committed to making a difference - creating efficient and intuitive solutions which make the world a safer, more intelligent place to live.

Headquartered in Monaco and with offices in London, Bristol and Riyadh, MARSS is rapidly expanding worldwide. In order to sustain this continuous growth, we are looking to attract key contributors who can make an impact on the success of the company.

We strive to create an environment and culture that encourages creativity, continuous learning, and individual responsibility to solve problems, add value and achieve professional growth.

With years of successful operations and a solid order book to secure the future, MARSSians benefit from a unique working environment which combines the flexibility and entrepreneurial spirit found in smaller start-ups with the support, security and professional growth opportunities of an expanding global organisation.

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 Master’s 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.
• Due to the security requirements of this role, applicants must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance.