Senior GN&C Engineer & Flight Controls Lead

Venus Aerospace; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock options

Medical benefits (dental & vision)

Flex-Friday schedule

Unlimited PTO

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Venus Aerospace is seeking a Principal GNC Engineer in Houston, TX to lead the design, implementation, and flight testing of GN&C for a revolutionary propulsion platform. You will drive control systems architecture, collaborate with flight software, avionics, and HITL teams to deliver flight-ready performance.

The role requires 10+ years in GN&C and 7+ years building aerospace control systems, with a strong testing mindset, and the ability to mentor early career engineers.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering or a related discipline.
• 10+ years GN&C experience.
• 7+ years of experience developing control systems in the aerospace or aviation industry.
• Experience in verifying GN&C algorithm performance via simulation and flight test.
• Deep knowledge of flight control and navigation sensor systems including modeling and analysis.
• An obsession with testing and applying test data to formulate design.
• Consummate verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for cross‑functional team success.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for mentoring and training early career engineers and technicians.
• Demonstrated resilience and flexibility in the face of technical setbacks.
• Ability to meet ITAR requirements.

Responsibilities

• Architect, analyze, and implement a GN&C system for flight test vehicles.
• Develop control laws and algorithms from conceptual design through simulation, testing, implementation, flight testing, and qualification.
• Lead the development of GN&C analysis tools and techniques.
• Work closely with Range Flight Safety and Flight Ops teams to gain range approvals for flight tests.
• Develop flight test plans, support flight test events, conduct flight test data analysis.
• Define, develop, and implement simulations and tools vital for analysis and verification.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing, system qualification/certification, and flight readiness activities.

Skills

GN&C experience

Control systems

Flight testing

Simulation & modeling

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

ITAR compliance

Education

Degree in engineering or related discipline

Job description

Venus Aerospace is seeking a Principal GNC Engineer in Houston, TX to lead the design, implementation, and flight testing of GN&C for a revolutionary propulsion platform. You will drive control systems architecture, collaborate with flight software, avionics, and HITL teams to deliver flight-ready performance.

The role requires 10+ years in GN&C and 7+ years building aerospace control systems, with a strong testing mindset, and the ability to mentor early career engineers.