[ GNC Engineer ]

Grid Aero, Inc.; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Significant equity stake

Impact on company success

Work with experienced aerospace founders

Job summary

An innovative aerospace startup in California is seeking a GNC Engineer to lead the development of flight control systems. You'll create scalable algorithms and integrate them into existing frameworks while collaborating with cross-functional teams. The role demands over 5 years of experience in GNC algorithm development, with expertise in MATLAB and Simulink. Join us to make an impact in national security and the aerospace industry by innovating advanced technologies in a supportive environment. Competitive compensation and equity opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Guidance Navigation and Control algorithm development for fixed-wing aircraft.
• Expertise with design, stability analysis, and simulation of PID and total energy-based control systems.
• Experience with flight testing of GNC algorithms is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop flight control and decision-making algorithms for Grid’s platform.
• Evaluate stability and performance characteristics of control systems.
• Participate in test planning, execution, and post-test analysis of aircraft.

Skills

Guidance Navigation and Control algorithm development

PID and total energy-based control systems

Flight testing of GNC algorithms

C/C++

Python

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

About Us:
Grid Aero is a VC-backed aviation startup tackling complex challenges in both defense and commercial markets. We are focused on solving real-world problems that will shape the future of the industry. Led by aerospace veterans and supported by leading venture firms, Grid is at the forefront of developing autonomous systems that will revolutionize how goods move through the skies.

Be part of a fast-growing, high-impact startup in early days. At Grid, your work will shape critical industries, driving innovation at the intersection of national security and global commerce.

Role Overview:
We are seeking a GNC Engineer to play a critical leadership role in advancing Grid.aero’s flight control and guidance systems. In this position, you will own and evolve the Flight Controls architecture across the platform, driving technical excellence from design through flight test and operational deployment.

As a member of the engineering team, you will work closely with cross-functional partners including avionics, systems, and software to mature our technology. You will have significant influence over technical direction, processes, and long-term roadmap decisions.

This role offers the opportunity to apply deep GNC expertise to a mission-driven aerospace company that has moved beyond inception and is focused on execution, reliability, and growth. If you’re motivated by taking complex systems to the next level and shaping high-impact products at scale, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop modular and scalable flight control and decision-making algorithms and their simulation framework for Grid’s platform.
• Create control system modules in Simulink and/or C/C++ and help integrate them into the overall system.
• Evaluate stability and performance characteristics of control systems using simulation and flight test data, by using a CI/CD and automating analyses to the extent possible.
• Participate in test planning, execution and post-test analysis of aircraft
• Participate in cross-functional discussions about Grid’s product and mentor teams on software standards and best practices.
• Assist with the integration of computer vision, AI/ML for DAA and mission optimization, and AI-based pre/post-flight assessments.

Who You Are:

• Mission-Driven: You're passionate about solving big, complex problems through technology and driven by the chance to change industries.
• Innovator: You thrive on the challenge of working with cutting-edge technologies and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Builder: You enjoy the excitement and impact of working at an early-stage startup where your contributions directly shape the future.
• Collaborative: You work well with diverse, cross-functional teams and are excited to lead, mentor, and inspire others.

Key Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in Guidance Navigation and Control algorithm development for fixed-wing aircraft
• Expertise with design, stability analysis, and simulation of PID and total energy-based control systems using MATLAB/Simulink
• Experience with flight testing of GNC algorithms and decision-making algorithms for DAA strongly preferred
• Familiarity with sensor calibration and noise characterization methods
• Familiarity with C/C++ and python
• Familiarity with adaptive control algorithms and data-driven control algorithms preferred.

Why Join Grid.aero:

• Mission First: Tackle some of the most important national security issues of the day.
• Ownership: Receive a significant equity stake and help build the future of Grid.aero.
• Impact: As one of our first hires, you’ll have a direct and visible impact on the success of the company.
• Innovation: Lead the architecture of a game-changing product that will redefine the air logistics industry.
• Growth: Work alongside experienced aerospace founders and grow with the company as a key technical leader.

Compensation: $140k -$180k / 0.1-0.3% Equity

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Grid.aero is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Legal Notice:

Grid.aero is committed to complying with U.S. export control laws. Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).