GNC Engineer (Aerospace Engineer)

JRC Careers; Dahlgren (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Excellent benefits program

Opportunity to work on high-profile Do

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

JRC is seeking a GNC Engineer (Aerospace Engineer) to develop and refine guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for advanced DoD aerospace programs. You will work on trajectory analysis, sensor integration, and 6 DOF simulation using MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and C/C++ to support mission-critical systems.

You should have 4+ years in GNC or related fields, a DoD SECRET clearance (or recent active clearance), and a strong background in equations of motion, Kalman filtering, and sensor fusion.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Security clearance at SECRET level or above, or recently active clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering/science field; Master’s preferred.
• 4+ years in GNC engineering, missile guidance, or flight control modeling.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws and state estimation.
• Support weapon system modeling and 6 DOF simulation environments.
• Perform trajectory analysis, mission performance evaluations, and stability assessments.
• Develop navigation solutions using IMUs, GPS, INS, and sensor fusion.
• Run Monte Carlo analyses and uncertainty studies.
• Implement GNC prototypes in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or C/C++.
• Analyze telemetry and flight-test data to validate performance.
• Collaborate with E20 system engineering teams on interfaces and integration.
• Document models, test results, and algorithm behavior in reports.

Skills

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C/C++

Kalman filtering

GPS/INS integration

Sensor fusion

Control engineering

Autopilot design

M&S (Modeling & Simulation)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C/C++

Job description

Who We Are (video)

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.

Join JRC’s Strategic Defense & International Operations (SDIO) Team!

We are seeking a GNC Engineer (Aerospace Engineer) to develop and refine guidance, navigation, and control algorithms supporting advanced weapon system modeling, simulation, and flight performance analysis. This role involves trajectory analysis, sensor integration, 6 DOF simulation, telemetry evaluation, and control system development using MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and C/C++ in support of mission-critical aerospace and defense programs_._

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

• An active DoD security clearance at the SECRET level or above (or have held an active DoD clearance within the last 2 years)
• 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++).
• The successful candidate shall have experience with guidance algorithms (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, M&S (Modeling & Simulation), MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), C/C++ for embedded or real time simulation, and familiarity with 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 is a plus.
• 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.

At JRC we offer…

• A competitive compensation package
• An exceptional employee benefits program, providing support for our team members’ well-being and success
• The chance to contribute to a 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