GNC Engineer

Insight Global; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global seeks a Sr. Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to help build next-generation unmanned air vehicles and robotic systems. You will architect flight algorithms, conduct advanced flight testing, and integrate cutting-edge technologies into real-world solutions.

This high-impact role spans GN&C (60%), flight testing (20%), and embedded software support (20%), guiding teams, solving complex technical challenges, and influencing platform development.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering is strongly desired.
• 4+ years of progressive GN&C/aircraft design and flight testing experience.
• Exceptional hands-on engineering ability across autopilots, flight control, and UAV integration.
• Deep knowledge of classical and modern controls; system analysis in frequency domain and state space.
• Experience with fixed-wing and multi-rotor vehicles; robotics dynamics and inertial navigation; simulation tools (Monte Carlo, HIL).

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and documentation of GN&C solutions for unmanned systems.
• Characterize, test, and troubleshoot hardware and software subsystems related to control systems.
• Develop and maintain HIL/SIL simulations.
• Analyze flight test data to drive model improvements and root-cause analyses.
• Develop data reduction tools to derive actionable insights from UAV test data.
• Perform linear and nonlinear control algorithm development to ensure stability and performance.
• Support GN&C requirements development, design reviews, and proposal creation.
• Mentor team members and lead small agile teams when needed.
• Support integration of reusable GN&C components into new products.
• Travel up to 20% within the continental U.S. for on-site flight operations.

Skills

GN&C engineering

Flight testing

Autopilots

Flight control

UAV integration

Monte Carlo

HIL/SIL

ROS

State-space analysis

Frequency-domain analysis

Leadership

Project management

Education

Master’s degree in engineering

Tools

ROS

Job description

We are searching for a talented Sr. Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to play a critical role in developing next-generation unmanned air vehicles and robotic systems. As a key member of our innovative team, you will help architect flight algorithms, conduct advanced flight testing, and integrate cutting-edge technologies into real-world solutions.

This high-impact role leverages your multi-disciplinary expertise. You’ll lead and contribute to ambitious projects spanning GN&C (60%), flight testing (20%), and supporting disciplines such as embedded software (20%). You'll guide teams, solve complex technical challenges, and directly influence the development of groundbreaking platforms.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and documentation of advanced GN&C solutions for unmanned systems.
• Characterize, test, and troubleshoot hardware and software subsystems related to control systems.
• Develop and maintain Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-In-the-Loop (SIL) Simulations
• Analyze systems and flight test data, supporting model improvements and root cause analyses.
• Develop and maintain data reduction and analysis tools that drive actionable insights from robot and UAV test data.
• Perform linear & non-linear control algorithm development to ensure world-class stability and performance.
• Drive GN&C requirements development, design reviews, and technical proposal creation.
• Mentor and support team members as a technical expert and occasionally serve as Team Lead across small, agile teams.
• Support integration of reusable GN&C and software components into new products.
• Travel up to 20% within the continental U.S. to support on-site flight operations.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Master’s degree in engineering is strongly desired
• 4+ years of progressive experience in GN&C, aircraft design, flight testing, project management, or closely related fields.
• Exceptional hands-on engineering ability and a proven track record across multiple technical domains (autopilots, flight control, communications hardware/software, UAV integration).
• Deep knowledge in classical and modern controls design, system analysis in both frequency domain and state space.
• Experience with both Fixed wing and Multi-rotor vehicles is a plus.
• Familiarity with robotic dynamics, aided inertial navigation, and simulation tools (Monte Carlo, hardware-in-the-loop, 6DOF).
• Ability to thrive and deliver in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where innovation is expected—and celebrated.
• Demonstrated initiative, ownership of technical outcomes, and a relentless drive for continuous improvement.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Familiar with office software and computer-based productivity tools. Demonstrated competence in engineering processes and design tools
• Knowledge of appropriate design and simulation tools and validation techniques
• Demonstrates strong communication (verbal & written), presentation and collaboration skills
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills with the ability to work well across disciplines. Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
• Experience with target tracking, Autonomy/machine learning and ROS is a plus