GNC / Controls Software Engineer – Hypersonic Vehicles

Aurex; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurex in Huntsville, AL seeks a Senior GNC / Controls Software Engineer with extensive experience in developing guidance, navigation, and control algorithms and real-time flight software for hypersonic vehicles.

Design, implement, and validate GNC software and control systems; proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++; focus on embedded real-time systems and flight software integration; collaborate with cross-functional teams in person at our Huntsville HQ.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with relevant industry experience.
• Master’s degree or PhD in aerospace engineering or related field with applicable experience.
• 3–7 years of industry experience in GNC algorithm development and/or flight controls software for aerospace vehicles.
• Real-time embedded software experience for flight or safety-critical systems.
• Advanced MATLAB/Simulink proficiency for modeling, control design, and simulation.
• Strong knowledge of control theory, estimation (e.g., Kalman filtering), and trajectory optimization.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement guidance laws, navigation filters, and flight control algorithms for hypersonic vehicles.
• Develop and optimize real-time embedded flight control software in C/C++ for safety-critical systems.
• Create and maintain high-fidelity 6-DOF vehicle dynamics models and closed-loop simulations in MATLAB/Simulink.
• Perform stability analysis, robustness assessments, and Monte Carlo studies across the flight envelope.
• Conduct SIL, PIL, and HIL testing to verify GNC performance.
• Integrate and tune multi-sensor navigation solutions for accurate state estimation.
• Optimize control system performance under thermal, structural, and atmospheric uncertainties.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless GNC integration.
• Support flight test planning, data analysis, and post-flight reconstruction.

Skills

GNC algorithms

Flight controls software

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++

Real-time embedded software

Control theory

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace/ Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

DO-178C

Embedded software development tools

Job description

Don't Wait for the Future. Build it Here.

We seek the curious, the brilliant, and the relentless. If you’re driven to solve complex problems, operate at the edge of technology, and make systems smarter, faster, and safer, you’ll find a home here. Advance your career in a company that builds for what's next.

Culture of Excellence

Grit, Growth, and Great People

We’re a team of high performers who don’t settle. Our culture rewards curiosity, integrity, and results—without the ego. You’ll be surrounded by people who challenge you, support you, and celebrate your wins. We work hard, solve big problems, and have each other’s backs.

More Than a Paycheck

We believe exceptional work deserves exceptional rewards. Our total compensation goes beyond base pay to include robust benefits, performance incentives, and investment in your future. From health and retirement to career development and time off—you’ll have what you need to thrive, in and out of the office.

Growth Without Limits

Start Strong. Keep Climbing.

From entry-level engineers to mission program leads, we create space for every employee to thrive. Our work is complex, our standards are high, and our support systems are built to help you rise—wherever you're starting from.

People at Aurex

“I enjoy working at Aurex for the innovative environment and strong focus on work-life balance… The company values creativity, supports professional growth, and fosters collaboration. I feel empowered to make a difference, both through meaningful projects and through volunteering in my community.”

People at Aurex

“I love being part of the platform because it offers the resources and opportunities of a larger company while maintaining a tight-knit, small company culture. What motivates me most is the environment it creates, one that supports me in growing professionally, academically, and personally.”

jacob Ballentine
Junior Reverse Engineer

People at Aurex

“What I love about working with Aurex is that I always feel valued and appreciated, and that work never goes unrecognized … Another thing I love is that, though small, Aurex offers tremendous expertise in various fields … Finally, the diversity of projects and partners means … many different opportunities—you will be helping to create history.”

Nathaniel DeCecco

Mechanical Engineer

People at Aurex

“What I like most about the company is the strong sense of community… It truly feels like a place where I belong. I’m motivated by the chance to grow, learn, and take on new challenges… Being part of a passionate, driven team makes every day rewarding.”

People at Aurex

“I appreciate that our company focuses on growth and innovation in aerospace… I’m motivated by solving complex challenges and building reliable software for launch operations. It’s rewarding to know our voice system is used by the government and major contractors—making a real impact. What a dream!”

Astrid Leighton
Software Engineer

GNC / Controls Software Engineer – Hypersonic Vehicles

GNC / Controls Software Engineer – Hypersonic Vehicles
Huntsville, AL

Who We Are

Aurex is a mission-focused aerospace and defense company building the next frontier of deterrence. From hypersonics and missile defense to hardened networks and orbital systems, we design, test, and deliver the platforms that turn unproven ideas into battlefield-ready capability.

Born in Huntsville and built for speed, Aurex brings together aerospace veterans, combat-tested operators, and forward-leaning technologists to solve problems that matter—fast. We move from whiteboard to warfighter with precision, clarity, and zero tolerance for fluff.

Job Summary
We are looking for a Senior GNC / Controls Software Engineer with extensive experience in developing guidance, navigation, and control algorithms and real-time flight software for high-speed aerospace vehicles. The ideal candidate will design, implement, and validate GNC software and control systems for hypersonic applications, ensuring performance, stability, and reliability under extreme flight conditions. Proficiency in simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink and real-time software development in C/C++ is required, with a primary focus on closed-loop GNC performance, robustness analysis, and flight software integration.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement guidance laws, navigation filters, and flight control algorithms for hypersonic vehicles.
• Develop and optimize real-time embedded flight control software in C/C++ (or equivalent) for safety-critical systems.
• Create and maintain high-fidelity 6-DOF vehicle dynamics models and closed-loop simulations in MATLAB/Simulink.
• Perform linear and nonlinear stability analysis, robustness assessments, and Monte Carlo dispersion studies across the hypersonic flight envelope.
• Conduct software-in-the-loop (SIL), processor-in-the-loop (PIL), and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to verify GNC performance.
• Integrate and tune multi-sensor navigation solutions (INS/GPS and additional aiding sensors) for accurate state estimation.
• Optimize control system performance for stability, tracking accuracy, and disturbance rejection under thermal, structural, and atmospheric uncertainties.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and systems engineers, to ensure seamless GNC integration.
• Support flight test planning, data analysis, and post-flight reconstruction, iterating designs based on test results.

Basic Qualifications

• Work in person at our corporate headquarters in Huntsville, AL.
• One of the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with relevant industry experience
  • Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a relevant field with experience applying knowledge to real-world systems
• 3–7 years of industry experience in GNC algorithm development and/or flight controls software for aerospace vehicles.
• Experience developing real-time embedded software for flight or safety-critical systems.
• Advanced proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, control design, and simulation.
• Strong knowledge of classical and modern control theory, estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering), and trajectory optimization.
• Understanding of hypersonic vehicle dynamics, aero-thermodynamics, and associated modeling challenges.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to interpret complex simulation and flight test results.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with multidisciplinary aerospace teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with hypersonic, high-Mach, or reentry vehicle GNC systems.
• Familiarity with adaptive, robust, or model-predictive control techniques.
• Experience with DO-178C or equivalent software certification processes.
• Knowledge of multi-sensor fusion and advanced navigation architectures.
• Experience supporting flight test campaigns or hardware-in-the-loop facilities.
• Background in autonomous guidance or terminal guidance algorithms.

How You Will Be Rewarded

The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $160,000.00 per year. We offer a comprehensive total rewards approach to compensation, providing incentives and benefits that extend far beyond the base salary. Compensation is determined by the candidate’s work experience, education, training, and relevant skills. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' health, well-being, and professional growth.

Aurex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It prohibits discrimination, retaliation, or any type of harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, citizenship, immigration status, or any other legally protected status in employment, including in hiring, firing, and recruiting decisions. All applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States for positions at Aurex. There may be limited circumstances in which a law, regulation, executive order, or government contract would require certain citizenship; only in those limited circumstances would Aurex require certain citizenship status to comply with the relevant law, regulation, executive order, or government contract applicable to that position. For all other positions, Aurex does not consider an applicant’s citizenship but only requires that the applicant be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. If a position is one that falls under export control laws and regulations requiring authorization from the U.S. government to access export-controlled items, any hiring is contingent on the applicant passing the export compliance assessment, which is separate from the I‑9 process, for that specific position. A background check will be required prior to any hire.

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