Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer

Destinus; Katwijk; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus in Katwijk leads a next-generation defense program, owning flight simulation, navigation, guidance, and control algorithms for an exo-atmospheric interceptor. You will work hands-on with models and analyses, translating performance results into vehicle requirements and engineering decisions.

We pursue cutting-edge UAV and aerospace innovations, partnering with defense organizations worldwide to deliver rapid, precise, and cost-effective solutions for mission-critical operations.

Qualifications

• PhD/ MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, or Applied Mathematics.
• 10+ years of GNC experience on missiles, interceptors, spacecraft, launch vehicles, or comparable high-performance systems.
• Strong MATLAB, Simulink and Python skills.
• Ability to own complex GNC problems from models to implementation.
• Experience in hardware-in-the-loop testing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own six-degree-of-freedom flight simulation as the reference model for vehicle performance.
• Develop navigation and estimation throughout flight and manage end-to-end error budget.
• Design and tune control algorithms across flight phases.
• Run analyses and simulations under nominal and stressed conditions.
• Collaborate with the engineering team to integrate GNC into interceptor design.
• Translate findings into vehicle and subsystem requirements and decisions.

Skills

GNC expertise

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

System-level thinking

Flight dynamics

Education

BSc in Aerospace Engineering

MSc or PhD in related field

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

Job description

Imagine this, you own the guidance, navigation, and control behind an exo-atmospheric interceptor, including the final seconds where precision determines whether the engagement succeeds.

Bliksem Exo is a four-nation European consortium developing an anti-ballistic missile system at operational pace. Destinus is the programme prime and responsible for the exo-atmospheric interceptor, engineered for affordability and production at scale.

In this role, you will own the flight simulation, navigation, guidance, and control algorithms that take the interceptor from flight to terminal engagement. You will work hands-on with the models and analysis, translating performance results directly into vehicle requirements and engineering decisions.

At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

What You'll Do

• Build and own the six-degree-of-freedom flight simulation used as the reference model for vehicle performance and analysis
• Develop navigation and estimation throughout the flight, manage the error budget through handover, and develop terminal guidance for the final engagement
• Own the terminal miss budget, quantifying how sensing noise, timing, disturbances, and other uncertainties affect end-to-end accuracy
• Design and tune control algorithms across the phases of flight, assessing stability and robustness throughout the operating envelope
• Run analysis and simulation campaigns across nominal and stressing conditions, translating findings into vehicle and subsystem requirements
• Work closely with the wider engineering team to integrate GNC performance into the overall interceptor design

Who You Are

• You are comfortable owning complex GNC problems from mathematical models through implementation and validation
• You think in terms of complete system performance rather than isolated algorithms
• You challenge models, assumptions, and results until you understand what drives performance
• You thrive in a small technical team where ownership, speed, and engineering judgement matter
• BSc, MSc, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
• 10+ years of GNC experience on missiles, interceptors, spacecraft, launch vehicles, or comparable high-performance systems
• Strong expertise in at least two areas across guidance, navigation and estimation, and control, with solid understanding across the complete GNC loop
• Experience developing and implementing flight-proven systems for hypersonic and/or space applications, including qualified hardware and software
• Strong MATLAB, Simulink and/or Python skills
• Nice to have: Experience taking GNC systems through hardware-in-the-loop testing and/or flight testing