Principal GNC Engineer

Cantos Ventures; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Venus Aerospace in Houston, Texas, is engineering the next generation of propulsion with Rotating Detonation Engines and advanced flight control concepts. We are seeking bold engineers who can contribute to design, build, and flight testing of revolutionary propulsion technology in a fast-moving team.

As Principal GNC Engineer, you will lead the design of flight controls, integrate with flight software and avionics, and steer hardware-in-the-loop testing to deliver reliable, flight-ready

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of flight controls for a Rotating Detonation Engine vehicle and ensure flight readiness.
• Collaborate with flight software, avionics, vehicle design and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) teams to deliver reliable systems.
• Provide technical leadership, systems thinking, and hands-on engineering excellence across cross-functional programs.

Job description

Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role: Principal GNC Engineer

Join us as a Principal GNC Engineer and help design, build and flight test revolutionary propulsion technology. Be the first GNC engineer to implement Thrust Vector Control on a Rotating Detonation Engine vehicle. A new rocket engine is being born and you’ll ensure this powerful new technology flies and maneuvers. You’ll lead the design of flight controls, collaborate with flight software, avionics, vehicle design and HITL teams. This role blends engineering leadership, hands‑on engineering, hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration to deliver reliable, flight‑ready systems. If you excel at systems thinking, solving hard problems, and driving technical leadership, you’ll thrive here.