Principal GNC Engineer

ALTEN Technology USA; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking a GNC Principal Engineer to serve as the technical authority for the Kinetic Air and Missile Defense Division, guiding guidance, navigation, and control software and systems for missile and defense applications. This role demands deep domain expertise and leadership in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary setting.

Responsibilities include developing GNC algorithms, coordinating with software and hardware teams, conducting rigorous testing, and mentoring engineering

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent).
• U.S. citizenship required.
• DoD Secret security clearance required.
• 15+ years of experience in GNC engineering for missile or aerospace systems.
• Experience with defense products and customers, especially C-UAS.
• Expertise in GNC algorithm development (guidance, navigation, autopilot).
• Experience with Agile and Waterfall development environments.
• Strong verbal, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Experience in project planning (schedule, budget, resources).
• Exceptional leadership and management skills, ability to inspire teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement GNC algorithms for missile systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on software development and integration.
• Execute testing, data collection, and analysis including hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Work on 6DoF modeling and simulations for performance validation.
• Assist in test plans and reports, presenting data to diverse audiences.
• Ensure best practices and standards in system design and testing.
• Support plans for product IRAD and sustaining projects through proper work decomposition.
• Develop and mentor high-performing engineering teams.
• Partner with leaders to drive process improvements in development processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Agile & Waterfall

GNC algorithm development

Project planning

Mentorship

Stakeholder management

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical/Systems Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Job description

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life‑saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more.

As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

Workplace: On‑site, 5 days per week. Location: Huntsville, Alabama or Tucson, AZ.

Role Overview

The GNC Principal Engineer is the overall technical authority for the Kinetic Air and Missile Defense Division. The role involves supporting the development, integration, and testing of software and systems used in guidance, navigation, and control for missile and defense systems, and working in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement GNC algorithms for missile systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on software development and integration efforts.
• Execute testing, data collection, and analysis, including hardware‑in‑the‑loop and multi‑functional testing.
• Work on 6DoF (Six Degrees of Freedom) modeling and simulations for performance validation.
• Assist in the development and execution of test plans and reports, presenting data to both large and small audiences.
• Ensure application of best practices and standards in system design and testing.
• Support development of plans for product IRAD and sustaining projects through proper work decomposition and skill assignment.
• Develop and mentor high‑performing engineering teams.
• Partner with functional leaders to drive process improvements throughout the engineering development processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent).
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Existing DoD Secret security clearance required.
• At least 15 years of experience in GNC engineering, specifically in missile or aerospace systems.
• Experience with defense products and customers, especially C‑UAS products.
• Expertise in GNC algorithm development, including guidance, navigation, and autopilot algorithms.
• Experience in Agile and Waterfall development environments.
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Experience in project planning (schedule, budget, resource estimation).
• Exceptional leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate staff.
• Ability to build strong relationships across disciplines.
• Effective influencing and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related productivity tools.
• Travel to domestic U.S. sites up to 10%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to follow standard practices and procedures.
• Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Team player with a focus on collaboration.
• Able to excel in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments.
• Commitment to learning from mistakes and continuous improvement.
• Effective problem‑solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Salary Range

• $155,000 – $170,000 (actual offer depends on location, experience, and qualifications).

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy. We are a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Drug Screening Requirement

All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre‑employment drug screening as a condition of hire.