GNC Engineer

MBDA Missile Systems Inc (USA); Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Life insurance

Tuition assistance

4.5-day workweek

Job summary

MBDA Missile Systems Inc (USA) is seeking a highly skilled GNC Engineer to design, develop, and verify guidance, navigation, and control systems for advanced aerospace applications. You will implement autopilot algorithms, perform state estimation, and contribute to high-fidelity simulations in a DoD-collaborative environment.

The role requires a 5+-year background in GNC or controls, strong MATLAB/Simulink experience, and the ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace/EE/mechanical engineering (required).
• Minimum 5 years in guidance, navigation, and control or controls engineering.
• Experience designing autopilot and control algorithms.
• Experience with state estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering).
• Experience developing simulations using MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and analyze GNC algorithms.
• Develop autopilot and control laws for dynamic systems.
• Perform target state estimation, filtering, and sensor fusion.
• Develop and maintain simulations/models to support design and verification.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, and system-level testing.
• Assist with field testing and customer-supported test activities.
• Collaborate with systems, software, and test engineering teams.

Skills

GNC engineering

Autopilot design

Kalman filtering

System simulation

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/EE/Mech

Master’s degree desired

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

HIL/SIL tools

Job description

About The Role

MBDA is seeking a highly skilled Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to join our dynamic engineering team. This role supports the design, development, and verification of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems for advanced aerospace applications. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing autopilot and control algorithms, performing target state estimation, and contributing to high-fidelity simulation development. The position supports both laboratory and field-testing activities and includes collaboration with internal teams and U.S. Department of Defense customers in secure environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and analyze guidance, navigation, and control algorithms
• Develop autopilot and control laws for dynamic systems
• Perform target state estimation, filtering, and sensor fusion
• Develop and maintain simulations and models to support system design and verification
• Support hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, and system-level testing
• Assist with field testing and customer-supported test activities as required
• Collaborate with systems, software, and test engineering teams

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field desired but not required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in guidance, navigation, and control or controls engineering
• Experience designing autopilot and control algorithms
• Experience with state estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering or related methods)
• Experience developing simulations using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret clearance

Preferred Experience

• Experience with real-time embedded control systems
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing
• Experience with flight dynamics modeling and sensor modeling
• Familiarity with missile, UAV, or aerospace vehicle systems
• Experience supporting test activities with DoD customers

Additional Information

• Full-time position; overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.
• Must be able and willing to travel as needed.

Why Join MBDA?

As a GNC Engineer, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the future of our company’s growth. You’ll collaborate with top leaders in the defense industry, work on challenging and impactful projects, and represent a company committed to innovation, integrity, and excellence in defense solutions. If you are a driven professional with a passion for defense and business growth, we’d love to hear from you.

About MBDA

MBDA Group is a world-leading missile systems company offering a comprehensive product range incorporating today’s most advanced technology. With an industrial and technological base spanning the UK, France, Italy, Germany and the United States, MBDA is at the forefront of global defense innovation. MBDA Incorporated, founded in 1986, is the U.S. arm of MBDA Group. Headquartered in Arlington, VA, with engineering and manufacturing operations in Huntsville, AL, MBDA Inc. delivers cutting-edge missile systems solutions to support the U.S. military. At MBDA, people are our greatest asset. We uphold the values of Innovation, Commitment, Integrity, Passion, and Team Spirit to foster a positive work environment for our employees and the customers we serve. We also offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits including comprehensive health insurance, 401(K) savings plan with up to a 6% match and profit-sharing contribution, life Insurance, tuition and professional development assistance and a 4½-day workweek.

Equal Opportunity Statement

MBDA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other protected class.