Principal GNC Engineer

AV; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AV is seeking a Principal GNC Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and implementation of GNC algorithms for autonomous and advanced weapon systems in Simi Valley, CA. Responsibilities include architecture development, modeling and simulation, and performance validation across lab and field environments.

The role requires strong leadership, mentoring, and clear communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, working within cross-functional teams to ensure safe and reliable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with GNC concepts and defense domain is a plus.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop or flight testing is desired.
• Eligibility to work on defense-related projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and implementation of guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous systems.
• Develop GNC architectures, modeling and simulation, and validate system performance.
• Support integration and testing in lab and field environments.
• Mentor engineers, contribute to design reviews, and support customer engagements.

Skills

GNC theory

Lead projects

Mentoring

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in AE/ME/EE or related

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C/C++

Job description

Company Description

At AV, teams work closely with customers to develop systems driven by real-world missions rather than theoretical requirements. The company delivers integrated capabilities across modern warfare domains, including autonomous systems, loitering munitions, space-based platforms, directed energy, cyber, and electronic warfare. AV focuses on solutions that help win today’s battles while shaping the future of conflict. Applicants can expect to contribute to mission-critical technologies that directly impact operational effectiveness and national security.

Role Description

The Principal GNC Engineer is a full-time, on-site role based in Simi Valley, CA. This role is responsible for leading the design, analysis, and implementation of guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous and advanced weapon systems. Day-to-day tasks include developing GNC architectures, performing modeling and simulation, validating system performance, and supporting integration and testing activities in lab and field environments. The Principal GNC Engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams in hardware, software, and systems engineering to ensure robust, reliable, and safe system behavior. The role also involves technical leadership, mentoring less experienced engineers, contributing to design reviews, and supporting customer engagements and documentation.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in guidance, navigation, and control theory, including trajectory design, estimation, and control algorithm development.
• Experience with modeling, simulation, and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++ or similar languages) for dynamic systems.
• Background in aerospace, autonomous systems, or related domains, including working with sensors, actuators, and embedded control implementations.
• Knowledge of systems engineering practices, including requirements development, verification and validation, and integration and test in hardware-in-the-loop or flight environments.
• Ability to lead technical projects, mentor team members, and communicate complex concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Relevant academic background, typically a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Familiarity with defense or high-reliability systems, safety and certification considerations, and working within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Eligibility to work on sensitive or defense-related projects as required by applicable regulations.