GNC Autopilot Engineer

Corvid Technologies LLC; Langtree (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical Insurance - PPO

PTO

Career Development

Disability insurance

Incentives

Job summary

Corvid Technologies LLC seeks an experienced Autopilot Engineer to join the GNC team in Mooresville, NC or Huntsville, AL. You will design autopilot and guidance systems for supersonic and hypersonic flight regimes, owning subsystem requirements and schedules for design, verification, and deployment.

The role involves developing MIMO autopilot algorithms, trajectory guidance, and validating them in a six-DOF simulation, with Monte Carlo analyses and collaboration across programs.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in AE, ME, or EE (advanced degree with GNC preferred).
• 10+ years in autopilot and guidance laws using modern control methods.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, Linux, and Git.
• Strong understanding of rigid body dynamics, IMU sensors, and flight code implementation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate MIMO autopilot algorithms for flight vehicle stabilization and control.
• Develop and analyze trajectory optimization and guidance methods.
• Maintain autopilot and guidance algorithms in Corvid's six-DOF simulation model; run Monte Carlo analyses.
• Coordinate with external organizations for GNC planning, testing, and collaboration.
• Support guided supersonic and hypersonic flight vehicles.
• Develop test plans and conduct ground testing of GNC algorithms.
• Generate day-to-day informal and formal reports.
• Support flight testing.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Git

Control theory

Autopilot

GNC

Communication

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering

Masters/PhD with GNC focus

Job description

Corvid is seeking a talented and motivated Autopilot Engineer to join our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) department in either our Mooresville, NC or Huntsville, AL office. In this role, you will be responsible for designing autopilot and guidance flight control systems and their implementation in the supersonic and hypersonic flight regimes. As a senior engineer, you will be responsible for owning autopilot subsystem requirements, plans to fulfill those requirements, and develop schedules for design, implementation, and verification phases for various programs. You will work with other GNC department employees in designing and analyzing Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) autopilot and guidance law algorithms for flight vehicle stabilization and control. Additionally, you will be responsible for identifying and mitigating risk to autopilot subsystems, and working with program management on program requirements and schedules.

The ideal candidate should enjoy developing models for high-speed aerospace vehicles, simulate the problems in Python and C++, and enjoy implementing the solutions in flight hardware.

Typical tasking will include:

• Develop, analyze, and integrate Multiple-Input Multiple-Output autopilot algorithms for flight vehicle stabilization and control
• Develop and analyze trajectory optimization and guidance methods
• Develop, test, and maintain autopilot and guidance algorithms in Corvid's six degree of freedom simulation model. Support system-level performance analyses with Monte Carlo simulations using Corvid's HPC environment
• Coordinate with external organizations for GNC subsystem planning, testing, and collaboration
• Support development of guided supersonic and hypersonic flight vehicles
• Develop test plans and conduct ground testing of GNC algorithms in Corvid's GNC laboratories and other facilities
• Day-to-day informal and formal report generation
• Support flight testing

Requirements:

• Candidate must be a US Citizen and meet ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance (Active Secret/Top Secret security clearance preferred)
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering (Master's degree or Ph.D. with a GNC focus preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in developing autopilot and guidance laws, particularly using modern control theory methods
• Proficiency with C++, Python, Linux, and Git version control
• Solid understanding of rigid body dynamics, IMU sensors, flight computer development, and flight code implementation. Demonstrated implementations of all inner-loop autopilot necessities (gain computation and margin analyses, gain scheduling, passive filters)
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear requirements and documentation

About Corvid:

Corvid Technologies is an engineering firm specializing in using high-fidelity, computational modeling and simulation to analyze, design and manufacture products for aerospace, DoD, and commercial customers. We offer a fast-paced and flexible work environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. Our team works on difficult, cutting-edge technical challenges using state-of-the‑art technologies and resources.

Why Corvid:

We value our employee‑owners and in addition to providing challenging work opportunities and competitive pay, Corvid believes in providing a strong benefit package that provides value to our team members at all stages of their career.

Corvid benefits include:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan via our generous 401(k) Matching
• Medical Insurance via Blue Cross - including a PPO and High‑Deductible offering (with company HSA contribution)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) based on years of industry experience (not tenure)
• Career Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Company provided life, long‑term and short‑term disability insurance
• Incentive opportunities to reward strong performance and corporate growth
• Attractive corporate facilities that include Lake Norman access, out‑door activities (including grills) and more