Senior Flight Systems Engineer

Cimarron Inc.; Seal Beach (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) contributions

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

Cimarron Inc. in Seal Beach, CA, is seeking a Senior Flight Systems Engineer to rapidly prototype, develop, and field novel space and hypersonic capabilities. You will design GN&C algorithms, build high‑fidelity simulations, implement and test flight software, and support integration and flight test in both atmospheric and space.

Must be able to work 100% onsite in Seal Beach, CA. Key duties include developing guidance laws, 6‑DOF dynamics, and GN&C software, collaborating with cross‑functional

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen due to facility security requirements.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
• Must possess a valid Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
• 20+ years of related work experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Engineering experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platforms or similar vehicles.
• Experience for on-orbit and ground systems operations.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink.
• Proficiency developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations.
• Experience developing with C/C++, Python or C#.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic/airborne platforms.
• Develop and maintain 6-DOF dynamics simulations and analysis tools for mission/performance assessment.
• Implement and validate GN&C flight software (MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes) and integrate with testbeds and avionics.
• Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design and trajectory optimization.
• Apply aerodynamics and flight mechanics to re-entry guidance and control functions.
• Develop powered and unpowered guidance laws and autonomy tools for on-orbit and atmospheric operations.
• Support troubleshooting of operational anomalies, tests, and service incidents.
• Produce concepts of operations, simulation artifacts, and test procedures for rapid prototype to flight test.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate technical tradeoffs to stakeholders.
• Independently identify inefficiencies and implement reusable tools and automations.

Skills

GN&C knowledge

Astrodynamics

Flight dynamics

Model-based development

Systems engineering

Spacecraft operations

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field

Master's/PhD preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

C/C++

Python

C#

Job description

Position Introduction/Key Duties

Cimarron is seeking a Senior Flight Systems Engineer to rapidly prototype, develop, and field novel space and hypersonic capabilities. ESG delivers first‑of‑kind solutions for customers in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment, including the X‑37B, the world’s first fully autonomous, reusable spaceplane. You will design GN&C algorithms, build high‑fidelity simulations, implement and test flight software, and support integration and flight test in both atmospheric and space. Must be able to work 100% onsite in Seal Beach, CA.

Key Duties

• Design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic/airborne platforms.
• Develop and maintain 6‑DOF dynamics simulations and associated analysis tools for mission and performance assessment.
• Implement and validate GN&C flight software (MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes) and integrate with testbeds and avionics.
• Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design, novel orbit concepts, and trajectory optimization.
• Apply aerodynamics, atmospheric flight mechanics, and controls knowledge to support the design of re‑entry guidance, navigation, and flight control functions
• Develop powered and unpowered guidance laws and autonomy tools for on‑orbit and atmospheric operations.
• Support troubleshooting of operational anomalies, functional tests, and service incidents.
• Produce concepts of operations, simulation artifacts, and test procedures to enable rapid iteration from prototype to flight test.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (systems engineering, avionics, test, and business development) and communicate technical tradeoffs to stakeholders.
• Independently identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and implement reusable tools and automations.

Required/Desired Skills, Experience, And Education

Required Skills, Experience, and Education:

• Due to facility security requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for consideration at this time.
• Ability to complete a pre-employment background check and drug screening, which will include, but is not limited to, testing for marijuana use.
• This position requires access to federal facilities. Candidates must possess a valid, unexpired Real ID-compliant driver's license or state‑issued identification card at the time of hire. If you are unsure whether your ID is Real ID-compliant, please check for the star symbol in the upper portion of your driver's license or state ID.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance within a reasonable timeframe.
• 20 or more years of related work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience (Ex. PhD, Master's + 3 or more years' related work experience).
• Engineering experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platform or similar vehicles.
• Experience for on‑orbit and ground systems operations.
• Knowledge in astrodynamics/astrophysics and Guidance, Navigation, & Controls (GN&C).
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink.
• Proficiency developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations.
• Experience developing with C/C++, Python or C#.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement.

Desired Skills, Experience, And Education

• Degree in aerospace/aeronautical engineering (BS/MS/PhD).
• 10 or more years related technical experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Active Tier 5 (T5) Clearance, formerly known as Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is Preferred.
• Experience with spacecraft operations, space environment effects, or hypersonic re‑entry GN&C.
• Familiarity with state estimation and sensor fusion (e.g., Kalman filters), GPS/INS, or air data systems.
• Background in classical and modern control theory and nonlinear control design.
• Model‑based development experience and flight test support.
• Prior work on space or hypersonic programs.
• Ability to work effectively in broad, minimally defined design spaces and to communicate technical results clearly.

Business Profile

Cimarron is a global solutions company with a strategic partnering approach to satisfying customer-driven requirements. We ensure customer success with a modern approach and experienced leadership. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Cimarron is fueled by highly skilled employees, developing new innovative technologies, and delivering superior products and services. We believe in recognizing employees' worth by offering competitive salaries and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) contributions, educational reimbursement, and much more. From company communication through Company‑wide information meetings led by our President and CEO, to an Awards program designed to recognize our amazing employees and their accomplishments, you will not only feel like you are a part of a team, you will be a valued member of the Cimarron family.

Cimarron is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.