Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer

Zachary Piper Solutions; Seal Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

PTO

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a GNC Engineer to support the development and prototyping of a hypersonic, next-generation, fully autonomous reusable spaceplane in Seal Beach, CA.

You will design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic/airborne platforms. This onsite role requires TS/SCI clearance and offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and holidays.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with aircraft, missiles, spacecraft or autonomous platforms.
• Proficient in MATLAB and Simulink.
• Proficient in GN&C algorithms, models, and simulations.
• Experience with C/C++, Python or C#.
• Active Tier 5 clearance preferred (SSBI).

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain 6 DOF dynamics simulations for mission assessment.
• Implement GN&C flight software in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++ prototypes.
• Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design and trajectory optimization.
• Support design of re-entry guidance, navigation, and flight control functions.
• Develop guidance laws and autonomy tools for orbit and atmospheric operations.
• Collaborate with systems engineering, avionics, test, and business development.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement reusable tools and automations.
• Assist troubleshooting of operational anomalies and test procedures.
• Produce concepts of operations and test procedures for rapid prototype iteration.

Skills

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++

Python

Kalman filters

GPS/INS

Control theory

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

C/C++

Python

C#

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer to support the development and prototyping of a hypersonic next generation fully autonomous reusable spaceplane in Seal Beach, CA. The GNC Engineer will Design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic/airborne platforms. This position is onsite in Seal Beach, CA and requires an active TS/SCI Clearance.

Responsibilities of the GNC Engineer:

• Develop and maintain 6 DOF dynamics simulations and associated analysis tools for mission and performance assessment.
• Implement and validate GN&C flight software (MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes) and integrate with testbeds and avionics.
• Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design, novel orbit concepts, and trajectory optimization.
• Apply aerodynamics, atmospheric flight mechanics, and controls knowledge to support the design of re-entry guidance, navigation, and flight control functions.
• Develop powered and unpowered guidance laws and autonomy tools for on orbit and atmospheric operations.
• Support troubleshooting of operational anomalies, functional tests, and service incidents.
• Produce concepts of operations, simulation artifacts, and test procedures to enable rapid iteration from prototype to flight test.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams (systems engineering, avionics, test, and business development) and communicate technical tradeoffs to stakeholders.
• Independently identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and implement reusable tools and automations.

Qualifications for GNC Engineer:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement 5+ years of related work experience (Ex. PhD, Master's + 3 or more years' related work experience)
• Engineering experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platform or similar vehicles
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink
• Proficiency developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations
• Experience developing with C/C++, Python or C#.
• Active Tier 5 (T5) Clearance, formerly known as Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is Preferred

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in aerospace/aeronautical engineering (BS/MS/PhD)
• 10+ years related technical experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with spacecraft operations, space environment effects, or hypersonic re entry GN&C
• Familiarity with state estimation and sensor fusion (e.g., Kalman filters), GPS/INS, or air data systems
• Background in classical and modern control theory and nonlinear control design
• Model based development experience and flight test support.
• Prior work on space or hypersonic programs
• Ability to work effectively in broad, minimally defined design spaces and to communicate technical results clearly.

Compensation for the GNC Engineer includes:

• Salary: $120,000-160,000+ depending on experience
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, and Paid Holidays

#LI-KD1 #LI-ONSITE

Keywords: Aerospace, aviation, space, GNC, guidance, navigation, Matlab, Simulink, C, C++, aerodynamics, systems engineering, avionics, test, algorithms, simulations, models, Python, hypersonic, Kalman filters, GPS/INS, flight test, TS/SCI, California, Los Angeles,