Principal GNC Engineer

Venus Aerospace; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock options

Medical benefits (dental & vision)

Flex-Friday schedule

Unlimited PTO

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Venus Aerospace is seeking a Principal GNC Engineer in Houston, TX to lead the design, implementation, and flight testing of GN&C for a revolutionary propulsion platform. You will drive control systems architecture, collaborate with flight software, avionics, and HITL teams to deliver flight-ready performance.

The role requires 10+ years in GN&C and 7+ years building aerospace control systems, with a strong testing mindset, and the ability to mentor early career engineers.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering or a related discipline.
• 10+ years GN&C experience.
• 7+ years of experience developing control systems in the aerospace or aviation industry.
• Experience in verifying GN&C algorithm performance via simulation and flight test.
• Deep knowledge of flight control and navigation sensor systems including modeling and analysis.
• An obsession with testing and applying test data to formulate design.
• Consummate verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for cross‑functional team success.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for mentoring and training early career engineers and technicians.
• Demonstrated resilience and flexibility in the face of technical setbacks.
• Ability to meet ITAR requirements.

Responsibilities

• Architect, analyze, and implement a GN&C system for flight test vehicles.
• Develop control laws and algorithms from conceptual design through simulation, testing, implementation, flight testing, and qualification.
• Lead the development of GN&C analysis tools and techniques.
• Work closely with Range Flight Safety and Flight Ops teams to gain range approvals for flight tests.
• Develop flight test plans, support flight test events, conduct flight test data analysis.
• Define, develop, and implement simulations and tools vital for analysis and verification.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing, system qualification/certification, and flight readiness activities.

Skills

GN&C experience

Control systems

Flight testing

Simulation & modeling

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

ITAR compliance

Education

Degree in engineering or related discipline

Job description

Who We Are:

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.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Architect, analyze, and implement a GN&C system for flight test vehicles
• Develop control laws and algorithms from conceptual design through simulation, testing, implementation, flight testing, and qualification
• Lead the development of GN&C analysis tools and techniques
• Work closely with Range Flight Safety and Flight Ops teams to gain range approvals for flight tests
• Develop flight test plans, support flight test events, conduct flight test data analysis
• Define, develop, and implement simulations and tools vital for analysis and verification
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing, system qualification/certification, and flight readiness activities

What You Have

• Degree in engineering or a related discipline
• 10+ years GN&C experience
• 7+ years of experience developing control systems in the aerospace or aviation industry
• Experience in verifying GN&C algorithm performance via simulation and flight test
• Deep knowledge of flight control and navigation sensor systems including modeling and analysis
• An obsession with testing and applying test data to formulate design
• Consummate verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for cross‑functional team success
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for mentoring and training early career engineers and technicians
• Demonstrated resilience and flexibility in the face of technical setbacks.
• Ability to meet ITAR requirements

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience in complex, nonlinear flight control design methods
• Demonstrated knowledge in both classical and modern control design techniques
• Good system engineering and configuration management skills
• Experience with rockets, missiles, or other aerospace vehicle systems
• Flight test experience
• Active DoD US government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one
• A personal passion for engineering as it applies to rockets, aircraft, and hypersonic travel

Location

On‑site in Houston, TX

Benefits

Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex‑Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITAR here .

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email [email protected] or call [phone].This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page .

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.