Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer - 177644

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k)

PTO

Paid Holidays

Sick leave

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a GNC Engineer to design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for hypersonic autonomous platforms, including spaceplane concepts. The role is onsite in Seal Beach, CA and requires an active TS/SCI clearance.

The engineer will work on 6-DOF simulations, flight software, and mission design with cross-functional teams. Qualifications include a BS in engineering or related field with 5+ years of experience, proficiency in

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering or related field with 5+ years experience.
• Experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platforms or similar vehicles.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink.
• Proficiency developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations.
• Experience with C/C++, Python or C#.
• Active Tier 5 Clearance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain 6 DOF dynamics simulations and analysis tools.
• Implement and validate GN&C flight software and integrate with testbeds.
• Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design and trajectory optimization.
• Apply aerodynamics and flight mechanics to re-entry guidance and controls.
• Develop guidance laws and autonomy tools for orbital and atmospheric ops.
• Troubleshoot operational anomalies, tests, and incidents.
• Produce concepts of operations, simulation artifacts, and test procedures for rapid prototyping.
• Collaborate with systems engineering, avionics, test, and BD; communicate tradeoffs.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement reusable tools.

Skills

GNC algorithms and simulations

Six DOF dynamics

Autonomous platforms/spacecraft

Aircraft/missile/spacecraft domain

C/C++

Python

Education

BS in engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

C/C++

Python

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, Paid Holidays, and sick leave as required by law

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,