Senior Flight Software / GNC Engineer

Arxlight; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Arxlight, a technology startup in California, is looking for a talented GNC Engineer to develop advanced navigation algorithms for drones. You will be responsible for flight dynamics modeling, control law design, and mixture of sensor fusion algorithms to enhance performance and stability. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s or PhD in Engineering with a strong background in control theory and programming skills in Python and C++. Join us in making a significant impact in UAV technology.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in engineering with a focus on controls.
• Deep understanding of MIMO/SISO systems, frequency domain analysis, and Lyapunov stability.
• Strong foundation in orbital mechanics or aerodynamics.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity 6-DOF simulations to predict vehicle behavior.
• Design and analyze flight control laws using classical and modern techniques.
• Implement sensor fusion algorithms for accurate state estimates.

Skills

Control Theory Mastery

Proficiency in Python or MATLAB/Simulink

C++ programming

Strong foundation in linear algebra

Education

Master’s or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

JSBSim

Gazebo

Job description

Company Overview

We are a rapidly growing technology startup focused on delivering next-generation drones for security and safety applications. Our company vertically integrates hardware and software to create leading edge capabilities in the UAV space, with a focus on saving lives.

As a GNC Engineer, you will be joining the team responsible for the design, development, and implementation of algorithms that allow our vehicles to navigate complex environments and execute precise maneuvers. You will bridge the gap between theoretical flight physics and real-world software implementation, ensuring stability and performance across all flight regimes.

Key Responsibilities

• Flight Dynamics Modeling: Develop high-fidelity 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) simulations to predict vehicle behavior.

• Control Law Design: Design, tune, and analyze flight control laws using both Classical (PID, Root Locus, Bode) and Modern (LQR/LQG, H-infinity, State-Space) techniques.

• Navigation & Estimation: Implement sensor fusion algorithms (e.g., Extended Kalman Filters) to provide accurate state estimates from IMU, GPS, and star tracker data.

• Guidance Algorithms: Develop trajectory generation and path-planning logic for autonomous mission phases.

• Performance Analysis: Conduct Monte Carlo simulations and Linear Stability Analysis (Gain/Phase margins) to ensure system robustness.

• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL): Support the integration of GNC software with flight hardware and sensors.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master’s or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (with a focus on Controls) and 5-10 YOE

• Control Theory Mastery: Deep understanding of MIMO/SISO systems, frequency domain analysis, and Lyapunov stability.

• Programming: Proficiency in Python or MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and C++ for flight software implementation.

• Mathematics: Strong foundation in linear algebra, coordinate transformations (Quaternions, Euler angles), and orbital mechanics or aerodynamics.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with simulation tools (JSBSim, Gazebo, etc)

• Hands on experience with open-source autopilot

• Experience with radar and rocket systems

• Understanding of rocket GNC, aerodynamics, flight dynamics and controls

Understanding of computer vision, perception, filtering, and estimation