GNC Engineer (Aerospace Engineer)

JRC Integrated Systems; Dahlgren (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Exceptional employee benefits

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

JRC Integrated Systems in Dahlgren, Virginia, is looking for a GNC Engineer to develop and implement advanced algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, and navigation filters. The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least 4 years of experience in GNC engineering.

Join a team that supports Department of Defense missions, offering excellent employee benefits and opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related.
• 4+ years’ experience in GNC engineering or missile guidance.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and one programming language (Python/C/C++).
• Experience with guidance algorithms and control engineering.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop GNC algorithms for control loops and navigation.
• Support modeling and simulation for weapon systems.
• Perform trajectory analysis and system stability assessments.
• Document algorithms and performance in technical reports.

Skills

GNC engineering

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C/C++

Kalman filtering

Control engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

Who We Are

At JRC, we tackle some of the toughest challenges faced by the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies. Our expertise in engineering innovation and semiconductor technologies allows us to deliver mission‑critical microelectronics solutions, aerospace systems engineering, and cutting‑edge research and development. By joining JRC, you’ll be part of a team that supports strategic deterrence and defense missions, playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the United States and its allies.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation filters, and state estimation.
• Support weapon system modeling and simulation, including 6 DOF (six degrees of freedom) simulation environments and subsystem integration.
• Perform trajectory analysis, mission performance evaluations, and control system stability assessments.
• Develop navigation solutions integrating IMUs, GPS, INS, seekers, and other sensor modalities.
• Conduct Monte Carlo analysis, uncertainty modeling, and system performance sensitivity studies.
• Implement GNC prototypes in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, or equivalent simulation frameworks.
• Analyze telemetry, flight test data, and HWIL/SIL outputs to validate system performance.
• Support requirements decomposition, interface definition, and subsystem integration with E20 system engineering teams.
• Document models, test results, algorithm behavior, and performance in technical reports and presentations.
• Participate in technical reviews, design sessions, and engineering working groups with government and contractor personnel.

What You Bring to the Table

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 4+ years’ experience in GNC engineering, missile guidance, flight controls, or related system modeling.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and at least one programming language (Python or C/C++).
• Experience with guidance algorithms (e.g., proportional navigation, pursuit guidance, optimal guidance, intercept geometry), navigation & estimation, Kalman filtering (EKF/UKF), inertial navigation, GPS/INS integration, sensor fusion, control engineering (PID, LQR, state space control), autopilot design, stability & robustness analysis, and 6‑DOF modeling.
• Ability to work with E20 technical SMEs to develop or refine analytical tools, performance models, or algorithmic improvements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance (current Secret preferred).

Bonus Points

• Familiarity with hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HWIL) or software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL) environments.
• Experience supporting missile systems, unmanned systems, or weapons/flight dynamics programs.
• Experience supporting NSWCDD, NAVSEA, or other DoD weapons engineering divisions.
• Experience with aerospace flight test data analysis or guidance law verification.
• Knowledge of seeker modeling, sensor suite integration, or autopilot tuning.

Benefits

• A competitive compensation package
• An exceptional employee benefits program, providing support for team members’ well‑being and success
• The chance to contribute to high‑profile Department of Defense programs and make a positive impact
• A collaborative work environment where teamwork, creativity, and innovation thrive
• Opportunities for professional growth and development, helping you advance your career