Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer 3

Apex Systems; Seal Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Everforth Apex in Seal Beach is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer to design GN&C algorithms and build high-fidelity simulations for space and hypersonic platforms. The role includes developing flight software and supporting integration and flight tests in a fast-paced, onsite environment.

Candidates must be able to obtain a DoD Top Secret clearance and will work with cross-functional teams to deliver first-of-kind solutions, while adhering to mission safety and reliability

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, CS, Data Science, Math, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of related experience; or 3+ years with a Master’s/PhD; aerospace/defense background.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Simulink, GN&C algorithms, and simulations.
• Experience with C/C++, Python, or C#.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and verify GN&C algorithms for spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic platforms.
• Develop 6-DOF dynamics simulations and analysis tools.
• Implement GN&C flight software in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++ and integrate with testbeds.
• Apply astrodynamics, flight mechanics, and trajectory optimization.
• Support flight tests and troubleshooting of operational anomalies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate tradeoffs to stakeholders.

Skills

MATLAB/Simulink

GN&C algorithms

C/C++

Python

C#

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

C/C++

Python

C#

Job description

Job#: 3047443

Job Description:

Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer 3

Location: Seal Beach, California (Onsite)

Candidates must be able to obtain and/or maintain a Department of Defense Top Secret clearance as a condition and continuation of employment.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Engineer to support the rapid prototyping, development, and fielding of novel space and hypersonic capabilities. In this role, you will contribute to first-of-kind solutions in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. The position involves designing GN&C algorithms, building high-fidelity simulations, implementing and testing flight software, and supporting integration and flight tests for both atmospheric and space environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic/airborne platforms.
• 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 and communicate technical tradeoffs to stakeholders.
• Independently identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and implement reusable tools and automations.

Required Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or an equivalent non-US qualification is required.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of related work experience is required. Alternatively, a Master's degree with 3 or more years of related work experience, or a PhD, is acceptable. Must have engineering experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platforms, or similar vehicles.

Technical Skills: Proficiency with MATLAB, Simulink, and developing GN&C algorithms, models, and simulations is required. Experience with C/C++, Python, or C# is also necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• A degree in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering (BS/MS/PhD).
• 10 or more years of 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.

Work Environment

This position is 100% onsite. Domestic travel may be required up to 5% of the time. This is a contract role with an initial duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension. Relocation assistance is not provided.

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI‑generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at https://www.apexsystems.com/privacy-policy

Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on‑demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [email protected] or 804-523-8228. Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.

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