Guidance, Navigation & Controls/GNC Engineer

CX2; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a cutting-edge defense technology firm as a GNC Engineer, where you'll design and develop advanced algorithms for autonomous drone systems. This role offers the opportunity to work on trajectory planning, sensor integration, and real-time decision-making, ensuring the performance of innovative solutions in the electromagnetic spectrum. You'll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and tackle complex challenges in a supportive and inclusive environment. With competitive compensation and a focus on professional growth, this position is perfect for those passionate about advancing technology in defense applications.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Stock options

Health, vision and dental benefits

401K

Generous PTO

Professional growth opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Access to latest tools and technologies

High levels of responsibility and autonomy

Access to challenging problems in electronic warfare

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in developing GNC systems for autonomous vehicles.
• Expertise in programming languages and real-time embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement guidance algorithms for autonomous drones.
• Develop visual navigation systems for GPS-denied environments.

Skills

Guidance Algorithms

Trajectory Planning

Sensor Fusion

State Estimation Techniques

Problem-Solving

Team Collaboration

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering

Master’s or Ph.D. in Robotics

Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science

Tools

C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Gazebo

ROS

Job description

CX2 is a next-generation defense technology company founded to deliver spectrum dominance for the United States and our allies. CX2’s AI-enabled hardware and software platforms detect, disrupt and defend the electromagnetic spectrum across land, air, sea and space domains.

We are seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) Engineer to join our growing team! The ideal candidate will design, develop, and test software algorithms that control the navigation, guidance, and stability of our autonomous drone systems. Our GNC Engineer will also be responsible for optimizing trajectory planning, terminal guidance, sensor integration, and real-time decision-making to ensure accurate and reliable system performance.

This role will be based onsite at our Company HQ in El Segundo, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced guidance algorithms for autonomous drones, including trajectory planning and optimization for efficient area searches and precision geolocation of high-value emitters.
• Develop and integrate visual navigation systems to enable autonomous operation in GPS-denied environments, ensuring robust and reliable performance in contested battlefields.
• Create and refine navigation and control software for dynamic flight path adjustments, including circling potential emitters for enhanced signal measurement accuracy.
• Design and test autonomous homing algorithms for loitering munitions, enabling precision attack capabilities using visual terminal guidance and camera-based target tracking.
• Collaborate on sensor fusion systems to integrate and process data from multiple sources, including RF sensors and visual cameras, for improved situational awareness and decision-making.
• Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and software-in-the-loop (SITL) testing to validate guidance, navigation, and control systems in simulated and real-world environments.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of GNC systems with onboard hardware, signal processing systems, and mission planning software.

Required Qualifications

• Educational Background: Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related technical field, with a strong focus on control systems, dynamics, or autonomous systems.
• Proven Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in developing GNC systems for autonomous vehicles, drones, missiles, or similar platforms.
• Technical Expertise: Strong proficiency in developing and implementing guidance, navigation, and control algorithms, including trajectory planning, sensor fusion, and state estimation techniques.
• Software Skills: Expertise in programming languages such as C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink, with experience in real-time embedded systems and software development.
• Sensor Integration: Hands-on experience integrating GPS, IMUs, visual sensors, and RF-based systems into autonomous platforms, including operation in GPS-denied or contested environments.
• Testing and Simulation: Familiarity with HITL and SITL frameworks, simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo, ROS), and debugging tools for validation of GNC systems.
• Problem-Solving and Innovation: Demonstrated ability to design and optimize novel algorithms to tackle complex, real-world challenges in autonomous navigation and controls.
• Team Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including hardware, software, and mission systems engineers.
• Clearances: Must be able to obtain and/or maintain a U.S. Security Clearance (Active Security Clearance Preferred)
• Availability: Ability to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines.

ITAR Requirements

• To Conform to US Government Regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. Citizen or National, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Bonus Points

• Active US Security Clearance
• Experience with RF signal processing or electromagnetic spectrum warfare systems.
• Background in computer vision and visual navigation systems for autonomous platforms.
• Understanding of loitering munitions or similar offensive autonomous systems.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, stock options and benefits, including health, vision and dental and 401K.
• Generous PTO + most Federal Holidays observed.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Access to the latest tools and technologies.
• High levels of responsibility and autonomy.
• Access to the hardest problems in electronic warfare.

$155,000 - $190,000 a year

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience and location.