Guidance Navigaton & Control Engineer 5

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

Job summary

Apex Systems is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer 5 in Seal Beach, CA to contribute to rapid prototyping, development, and fielding of space and hypersonic capabilities. The role covers GN&C algorithm design, high-fidelity simulations, flight software in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++, and integration with flight tests.

Requirements include a BS in engineering or related field and 5+ years (or a MS/PhD with 3+ years) of relevant experience, with DoD Top Secret clearance

Qualifications

• Design, implement, and verify GN&C algorithms for spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic platforms.
• Develop and maintain 6 DOF dynamics simulations and analysis tools.
• Implement and validate GN&C flight software (MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes) and integrate with testbeds.

Responsibilities

• Design GN&C algorithms for spacecraft and hypersonic platforms.
• Develop high-fidelity simulations and evaluation tools.
• Implement and test flight software and integrate with avionics testbeds.
• Apply astrodynamics, trajectory optimization, and flight mechanics to mission design.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate technical tradeoffs.

Skills

GN&C algorithms

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++

Python

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related fields

Tools

C/C++ development

Python development

Simulation tools

Job description

Job#: 3047442

Job Description:

Guidance Navigaton & Control Engineer 5

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

An opportunity is available for a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Engineer to contribute to the rapid prototyping, development, and fielding of novel space and hypersonic capabilities. The role involves working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment to deliver first-of-kind solutions. The position requires designing GN&C algorithms, building high-fidelity simulations, implementing and testing flight software, and supporting integration and flight tests in 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 qualification is required.

Experience: 5+ years of related work experience. Alternatively, a PhD, or a Master's degree with 3 or more years of related work experience, is acceptable. Engineering experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platforms, or similar vehicles is necessary.

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in aerospace/aeronautical engineering (BS/MS/PhD).
• 10+ 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 non-managerial, non-leadership role where regular and predictable attendance is required.