GNC Autopilot Engineer

Corvid Technologies; Mooresville (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Medical Insurance

Paid Time Off based on experience

Career Development opportunities

Disability insurance

Incentives for performance

Access to outdoor activities at Lake Norman

Job summary

Corvid Technologies is seeking a talented Autopilot Engineer to join their Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) department. This role involves designing and implementing autopilot and flight control systems for advanced aircraft.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in autopilot development, proficiency in C++ and Python, and a strong understanding of rigid body dynamics. Benefits include generous 401(k) matching and medical insurance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in developing autopilot and guidance laws using modern control theory methods.
• Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain a Secret Clearance.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement autopilot and guidance flight control systems for supersonic and hypersonic flight.
• Develop and analyze MIMO autopilot algorithms for flight stabilization.
• Coordinate with external organizations for GNC planning and testing.
• Conduct ground testing of GNC algorithms.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Git

Rigid body dynamics

IMU sensors

Flight computer development

Flight code implementation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree or Ph.D. with GNC focus

Job description

Corvid is seeking a talented and motivated Autopilot Engineer to join our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) department. 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 own autopilot subsystem requirements, plan 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 identify and mitigate risk to autopilot subsystems, and work with program management on program requirements and schedules.

The ideal candidate should enjoy developing models for high-speed aerospace vehicles, simulating the problems in Python and C++, and 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 be able 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

Benefits

• 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