Autonomy & GN&C Lead Engineer

AeroVironment; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 155,000 - 247,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a Sr. Principal GNC Engineer to architect flight algorithms, lead flight testing, and integrate cutting-edge technologies into unmanned air vehicles and robotic systems.

This role blends GN&C, flight testing, PCB design, software and cross-disciplinary work to drive proposals and project estimates. You will mentor engineers, drive technical resolution, and ensure alignment with program objectives.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related engineering discipline required; equivalent education/experience also considered.
• 15+ years of combined experience in aircraft design, GN&C, flight testing, systems engineering and program management.
• Experience leading multiple complex engineering projects and cross-functional teams.
• Proven hands-on development experience across autopilot hardware/software and flight control domains.
• US travel up to 20% to support flight test operations.

Responsibilities

• Identify appropriate engineering resources (personnel, equipment) for projects.
• Ensure product designs meet technical, performance, and quality requirements.
• Define system architecture and cascade requirements to design teams.
• Track project technical progress and communicate status to stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with leadership, manufacturing, quality and supply chain to resolve critical issues.
• Oversee design, development and validation of the flight control system for current and new products.
• Oversee system interfaces, test and flight test activities from subscale to full scale.

Skills

GN&C expertise

Flight testing

Leadership

Systems engineering

Program management

Flight control

Communication skills

Education

Advanced engineering degree

PhD preferred

Tools

Autopilot hardware

Flight control software

Ground control systems

Job description

AeroVironment is seeking a Sr. Principal GNC Engineer to architect flight algorithms, lead flight testing, and integrate cutting-edge technologies into unmanned air vehicles and robotic systems.

This role blends GN&C, flight testing, PCB design, software and cross-disciplinary work to drive proposals and project estimates. You will mentor engineers, drive technical resolution, and ensure alignment with program objectives.