Guidance Navigation Controls (GNC) Engineer V/VI

Zone 5 Technologies; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 197,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with company-match

Paid time off

Sick time

Company holidays

Job summary

Zone 5 Technologies in San Luis Obispo, CA, seeks a senior GNC Engineer to lead flight controls design and optimization for Group 1–4 UAS. You will mentor engineers, develop software for flight tests, and drive verification through SWIL/HWIL simulations and Kalman-filtered state estimation.

You will apply advanced control theory, MATLAB/Simulink modeling, and embedded systems expertise to advance next‑generation UAS capabilities, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and rigorous

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in flight controls engineering, with at least 5 years in UAS applications.
• Expertise in Matlab/Simulink and auto-code generation for embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and development of flight controls software for Group 1 to 4 UAS.
• Architect and implement advanced software components for flight tests.
• Oversee high-fidelity SWIL and HWIL simulations to validate system performance.
• Develop and refine models in Matlab/Simulink for optimization.
• Perform stability and performance analyses and guide control system improvements.
• Mentor and train junior engineers, fostering growth and collaboration.
• Drive cross-functional communication across engineering disciplines.
• Lead R&D initiatives in flight control methodologies and embedded systems.
• Produce technical documentation and lead peer reviews.

Skills

Matlab/Simulink

Kalman filtering

Flight dynamics

Embedded systems

Team leadership

Project management

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Auto-code generation

Embedded software

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.

The GNC Engineer V/VI is a senior-level individual contributor role responsible for leading the design, development, and optimization of advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for UAS. This position involves driving innovation in flight controls software, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating across disciplines to deliver cutting-edge UAS technologies. Engineers in this role will contribute to strategic initiatives, ensure high performance in flight control systems, and lead efforts from concept to flight testing.

Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership: Lead the design, analysis, and development of flight controls software for Group 1 to 4 UAS.
• Software Development: Architect and implement advanced software components for deployment to flight tests.
• Simulation Expertise: Oversee the creation and execution of high-fidelity SWIL and HWIL simulations to validate system performance.
• Advanced Modeling: Develop and refine complex models in Matlab/Simulink, ensuring accuracy and performance optimization.
• Controls Analysis: Perform advanced stability and performance analyses, providing guidance on control system optimization.
• Mentorship: Mentor and train junior engineers, fostering technical growth and team collaboration.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Drive effective communication and alignment across engineering disciplines to meet project objectives.
• Innovation and R&D: Lead research initiatives in advanced flight control methodologies, embedded systems, and auto-code generation.
• Documentation and Review: Produce comprehensive technical documentation and lead peer review processes to ensure quality and compliance.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in flight controls engineering, with at least 5 years in UAS applications.
• Skills: Expertise in Matlab/Simulink and auto-code generation for embedded systems.
• Advanced knowledge of control theory, flight dynamics, and embedded systems.
• Experienced in state estimation and Kalman filtering.
• Proven ability to run and analyze SWIL and HWIL simulations.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with Group 1-4 UAS flight controls and avionics suites.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Knowledge of advanced control techniques and optimization algorithms.
• History of contributing to successful flight test programs and R&D projects.

Pay Range by Level for San Luis Obispo, CA:

• Level V - $197,000 - $226,000
• Level VI - $226,000 - $265,000

Pay range for this role: $197,000 USD - $265,000 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.

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.