Senior Controls Algorithms Engineer - GNC

Kforce Inc; Orem (UT); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

HSA

FSA

401(k)

Life, disability & ADD insurance

Paid time off

Paid sick leave (hourly)”

Job summary

Kforce Inc. in Orem, UT is seeking a Senior Algorithms Engineer - GNC for a hybrid, full-time role. You will develop guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for avionic military platforms, focusing on system identification, modeling, simulation, and low-level control.

Flight testing and autonomous systems development are key growth areas. The ideal candidate has hands-on control experience, strong C++ and Python skills, and a background in GNC, controls, robotics, and embedded systems.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Engineering, CS, Robotics, Mechatronics or related field.
• Strong background in GNC, Controls Engineering, Robotics, or Autonomous Systems.
• Expertise in system identification and dynamic modeling.
• Experience with PID, LQR, MRAC, MPC.
• Hands-on experience implementing and tuning low-level control loops.
• Proficiency in C++; Python experience preferred.
• Experience with actuators, motors, and embedded control systems.
• Hands-on controls engineer who translates real-world behavior into robust algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and tune control, estimation, and autonomy algorithms for avionic systems.
• Perform system identification, modeling, and simulation of multirotor platforms.
• Improve simulation fidelity and evaluate system performance.
• Plan and support flight test campaigns.
• Collaborate with software and hardware teams on technical challenges.

Skills

GNC

Controls engineering

Robotics

Autonomy systems

System identification

Dynamic modeling

Control theory

Low-level control loops

C++

Python

Embedded control

Education

BS/MS in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Mechatronics

Tools

ArduCopter

PX4

ROS2

Job description

Responsibilities

Kforce has a client in Orem, UT looking for a Senior Algorithms Engineer - GNC for a hybrid, full time role. The Engineer will develop advanced guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for Avionic Military platforms. This role focuses on system identification, modeling, simulation, and low-level control systems with opportunities for flight testing and next-generation autonomous avionic system development. We are working directly with the hiring manager on this search assignment. This position is Hybrid Remote.

• Develop and tune control, estimation, and autonomy algorithms for Avionic systems
• Perform system identification, modeling, and simulation of multirotor platforms
• Improve simulation fidelity and evaluate system performance
• Plan and support flight test campaigns
• Collaborate with software and hardware teams on complex technical challenges

Requirements

• BS/MS in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Mechatronics or related field
• Strong background in GNC, Controls Engineering, Robotics, or Autonomous Systems
• Expertise in system identification and dynamic modeling
• Experience with control theory (PID, LQR, MRAC, MPC)
• Hands-on experience implementing and tuning low-level control loops
• Proficiency in C++; Python experience preferred
• Experience working with actuators, motors, and embedded control systems
• Ideal Candidate: a hands-on controls engineer who enjoys working close to the hardware, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and can translate real-world system behavior into robust control algorithms
• Keywords: GNC Engineer, Controls Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Autonomy Engineer, Control Systems, UAV, Drone, System Identification, Modeling, Simulation, PID, LQR, MPC, C++, Python, ArduCopter, PX4, ROS2

Preferred Qualifications

• ArduCopter, PX4, or ROS2
• Experience with Kalman filters, state estimation, trajectory generation, or GPS-denied navigation
• Robotics or autonomous systems background
• Simulation and modeling experience

Pay & Benefits

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

• medical/dental/vision insurance
• HSA
• FSA
• 401(k)
• life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees
• paid time off
• Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.