GNC Engineer

ADP, Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Systems Inc. is hiring a GNC Engineer to design, develop, and implement embedded, real-time guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for aerospace vehicles and drones.

You will bridge theory and flight hardware, translating MATLAB/Simulink designs into embedded code, and collaborate across avionics, hardware, and software teams to ensure mission success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement GNC algorithms, including guidance laws, navigation filters, and control laws.
• Code algorithms using Simulink, C++, and Rust for real-time embedded systems.
• Tune algorithms to optimize stability, precision, and efficiency; perform PID tuning, sensor calibrations, and Kalman filter tuning (EKF, UKF).
• Analyze flight logs to diagnose flight anomalies and identify root causes.
• Collaborate with avionics, hardware, and software engineering teams to integrate GNC software into the flight computer system.
• Develop and maintain 6-DOF simulations to evaluate vehicle dynamics and performance.
• Validate software using flight-representative hardware and develop verification test cases.

Skills

C/C++

MATLAB/Simulink

Rust

Flight dynamics

Control theory

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field

Tools

Simulink

MATLAB

Job description

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1072

Salary Range: $120,000.00 To $150,000.00 Annually

Quantum Systems Inc. is a global leader in aerial intelligence and autonomous, AI-powered aerial robotics. We design, develop, manufacture, and deliver Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and an ecosystem of related products and services.

Our business directly addresses the Defense and Security markets in North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

We currently have an opening for a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer. This position will report directly to the Director of Mission Success.

Position Summary

The Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing embedded, real-time algorithms that control the movement, stability, and state estimation of aerospace vehicles, such as drones, missiles, or launch vehicles.

This role bridges the gap between theoretical GNC algorithm design (often performed in MATLAB/Simulink) and the final embedded code that runs on flight hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Algorithm Implementation
  • Develop and implement GNC algorithms, including guidance laws, navigation filters, and control laws.
  • Code algorithms using Simulink, C++, and Rust for real-time embedded systems.
• Performance Optimization
  • Tune algorithms to optimize stability, precision, and efficiency.
  • Perform PID loop tuning, sensor calibrations, and Kalman filter tuning (EKF, UKF).
• Analyze flight logs to diagnose flight anomalies.
• Identify root causes and propose corrective solutions to resolve identified anomalies.
• System Integration
  • Collaborate with avionics, hardware, and software engineering teams to integrate GNC software into the broader flight computer system.
• Simulation & Modeling
  • Develop high-fidelity six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) simulations to evaluate vehicle dynamics and performance.
• Validate software using flight-representative hardware to verify system functionality and performance.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, interface control documents, and verification test cases.
• Ensure documentation and testing meet applicable mission assurance standards.

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum of 2 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Programming & Software Development
  • Proficiency in C/C++, MATLAB/Simulink, and Rust.
• Technical Knowledge
  • Strong understanding of flight dynamics, control theory (linear/classical), and state estimation.
  • Proven experience designing and implementing GNC algorithms in real-time environments.
• Additional Requirements
  • Must successfully complete a background check.
  • U.S. citizenship is required due to applicable government contract requirements.