Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer 6

Apex Systems; Seal Beach (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

ESP P and EAP

Job summary

Everforth Apex is seeking a Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer to rapidly prototype, develop, and field novel space and hypersonic capabilities. The role focuses on GN&C algorithms, high‑fidelity simulations, flight software, and integration with avionics in atmospheric and space environments.

The candidate will design and verify GN&C systems, develop 6‑DOF simulations, and support flight tests while collaborating with cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or equivalent required.
• Minimum 5 years of related work experience; Masters +3 or PhD considered.
• Experience with spacecraft/airborne platforms or autonomous systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and verify GN&C algorithms for spacecraft and hypersonic platforms.
• Develop 6-DOF dynamics simulations and analysis tools.
• Implement GN&C flight software and integrate with testbeds and avionics (MATLAB/Simulink models, C/C++).
• Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design and trajectory optimization.
• Support integration, flight tests, and troubleshooting of operational anomalies.
• Produce test procedures and artifacts to enable rapid prototype-to-flight iterations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate technical tradeoffs.

Skills

GN&C algorithms

C/C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Education

B.S. in Engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++

Job description

Job#: 3047435

Job Description:

Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer 6

Location: Seal Beach, California (On-site)

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

This is a non-managerial and non-leadership position focused on rapidly prototyping, developing, and fielding novel space and hypersonic capabilities. The role involves designing Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) algorithms, building high-fidelity simulations, implementing and testing flight software, and supporting integration and flight tests in both atmospheric and space environments. Regular and predictable attendance is required.

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, including MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes, and integrate them with testbeds and avionics.


• Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design, novel orbit concepts, and trajectory optimization.


• Utilize knowledge of aerodynamics, atmospheric flight mechanics, and controls 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 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 qualification is required.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of related work experience is required. Candidates with a Master's degree plus 3 or more years of related work experience or a PhD will also be considered. Engineering experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platforms, or similar vehicles is necessary.

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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% on‑site. The role may require up to 5% domestic travel. Candidates must be willing to relocate at their own expense if not local. Interviews will be conducted in‑person for local candidates and via Teams meeting or phone for non‑local candidates.

Company Culture and Benefits

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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, protected veteran status, 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.

Accommodations

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.

Transparency Statement

UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes the Transparency in Coverage Machine‑Readable Files on behalf of Everforth Apex Systems.