Guidance Navigation Controls (GNC) Engineer III/IV

Zone 5 Technologies; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with company match

Paid time off

Sick time

Holidays

Job summary

Zone 5 Technologies in San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a GNC Engineer III/IV to design, analyze, and build flight controls software for UAS. You will develop components for flight tests, create modules in the avionics suite, and run high-fidelity simulations with embedded targets.

The role requires a Bachelor's in aerospace/mechanical engineering, 5+ years in flight controls for UAS, and strong Matlab/Simulink skills. Master’s preferred; mentoring and cross‑functional collaboration are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years of flight controls engineering for UAS.
• Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and build flight controls software for UAS groups 1–4.
• Develop software components for deployment to flight test.
• Create/modify software modules in Zone 5 avionics suite.
• Perform controls analysis to assess stability and performance.
• Run high-fidelity SW/HW in the loop simulations and generate auto-code.
• Design ground tests to verify new features and support integration/testing.
• Conduct peer reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Flight controls

Matlab/Simulink

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Embedded systems

Auto-code generation

Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

We are currently looking for a GNC Engineer III/IV to join our software and flight test group in San Luis Obispo, CA. In this role, you'll play a crucial part in designing, analyzing, and building flight controls software for UAS. You will work closely with the engineering team to develop new software components, build models in Matlab/Simulink, run high-fidelity SW and HW in the loop simulations, and generate auto-code for embedded systems. Peer review and effective communication across disciplines are critical to improving the design cycle.

Responsibilities:

• Design, analyze, and build flight controls software for groups 1 to 4 UAS
• Develop software components for deployment to flight test
• Create and modify software modules in the Zone 5 avionics suite
• Perform controls analysis to assess stability and performance
• Run high-fidelity SW and HW in the loop simulations
• Generate auto-code for embedded systems
• Design ground tests to verify the function of new features
• Support integration and test of aircraft for flight test
• Conduct peer reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in flight controls engineering for UAS
• Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in aerospace engineering or related field
• Experience with Group 1-4 UAS flight controls software design
• Knowledge of embedded systems and auto-code generation
• Ability to mentor and train junior engineers

Pay Range by Level for San Luis Obispo, CA:

Level III - $135,000 - $167,000

Level IV - $167,000 - $197,000

Pay range for this role: $135,000 USD - $197,000 USD

What's in it for you:

• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company-match
• 3 weeks of paid time off each year
• 40 hours of sick time
• 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

• Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify:https://www.e-verify.gov.