Onsite GNC Engineer for Hypersonic Spaceplane, Seal Beach

Zachary Piper, LLC; Seal Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k)

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a GNC Engineer to design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for a hypersonic autonomous spaceplane in Seal Beach, CA. The role is onsite and requires an active TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities include developing 6 DOF simulations, integrating GN&C software, and applying advanced dynamics and control concepts. Collaboration with systems engineering, avionics, and test teams is essential for rapid prototype to flight-test

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Engineering or related field (or non-US equivalent)
• 5+ years of related work experience in aerospace/flight systems
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink
• Experience developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations
• Experience with C/C++, Python or C#
• Active TS/SCI clearance is preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain 6 DOF dynamics simulations and analysis tools.
• Implement and validate GN&C flight software (MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes).
• Apply astrodynamics, flight mechanics, and trajectory optimization to mission design.
• Support re-entry guidance, navigation, and flight control design.
• Develop guidance laws and autonomy tools for orbital and atmospheric operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate technical tradeoffs.

Skills

Engineering experience

GN&C concepts

Systems thinking

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

C/C++

Python

C#

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer to support the development and prototyping of a hypersonic next generation fully autonomous reusable spaceplane in Seal Beach, CA. The GNC Engineer will Design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic/airborne platforms. This position is onsite in Seal Beach, CA and requires an active TS/SCI Clearance.

Responsibilities of the GNC Engineer:

• 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 (systems engineering, avionics, test, and business development) and communicate technical tradeoffs to stakeholders.
• Independently identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and implement reusable tools and automations.

Qualifications for GNC Engineer:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement 5+ years of related work experience (Ex. PhD, Master's + 3 or more years' related work experience)
• Engineering experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platform or similar vehicles
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink
• Proficiency developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations
• Experience developing with C/C++, Python or C#.
• Active Tier 5 (T5) Clearance, formerly known as Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is Preferred

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in aerospace/aeronautical engineering (BS/MS/PhD)
• 10+ years 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.

Compensation for the GNC Engineer includes:

• Salary: $120,000-160,000+ depending on experience
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, Paid Holidays, and sick leave as required by law

#LI-KD1 #LI-ONSITE

Keywords: Aerospace, aviation, space, GNC, guidance, navigation, Matlab, Simulink, C, C++, aerodynamics, systems engineering, avionics, test, algorithms, simulations, models, Python, hypersonic, Kalman filters, GPS/INS, flight test, TS/SCI, California, Los Angeles,