Senior GNC Engineer

SARACA; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

SARACA seeks a GNC Engineer III to develop guidance, navigation, and control for unmanned ground vehicles. You will work on controls, localization algorithms, and modeling, with hands-on programming in Python, C/C++, and ROS.

The role emphasizes system modeling, simulation, and validation, plus engagement with robotics and autonomous vehicle domains. Onsite in Dallas, immediate start, strong emphasis on collaboration and published results.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of State-Space Control
• Strong experience with Localization
• Knowledge of advanced/state-of-the-art control algorithms
• Experience designing Controls & Localization algorithms
• Experience with system modeling and simulation
• Strong technical documentation and engineering analysis skills
• Programming experience with Python, C/C++, and/or ROS
• Experience with UGVs, autonomous vehicles, robotics, or similar systems

Responsibilities

• Design and develop controls and localization algorithms for unmanned ground vehicles.
• Develop mathematical models of mechanical and electrical systems to simulate and validate control solutions.
• Apply advanced control techniques to solve engineering problems.
• Develop simulations to evaluate and prove control designs.
• Support testing, debugging, integration, and validation of controls solutions.
• Document designs, simulations, and technical results.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership in the controls area.

Skills

State-Space

Localization

Control Algorithms

Modeling & Simulation

Python

C/C++

ROS

UGVs/Robotics

Education

Master's or PhD in relevant field

Job description

Location: DFW, Texas – Onsite

Start Date: Immediate Availability

Background Check: MANDATORY

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled GNC Engineer III to develop advanced Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC), controls, and localization solutions for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs).

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in control systems, localization algorithms, mathematical modeling, simulation, and autonomous/robotic vehicles, along with hands‑on programming experience in Python, C/C++, and/or ROS.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop controls and localization algorithms for unmanned ground vehicles.
• Develop mathematical models of mechanical and electrical systems to simulate and validate control solutions.
• Apply advanced and state-of-the-art control techniques to solve complex engineering problems.
• Develop simulations to evaluate and prove control system designs.
• Support testing, debugging, integration, and validation of implemented controls solutions.
• Analyze system performance and document designs, simulations, and technical results.
• Synthesize innovative controls solutions for challenging autonomous vehicle problems.
• Provide technical guidance and support to other GNC/Controls Engineers.
• Contribute to technical proposals requiring controls and localization expertise.
• Provide technical leadership in the controls engineering area.
• Support research activities and publish technical work in conferences and journals where applicable.
• Develop and document novel control methodologies and contribute to patent activities.

Required Education & Experience

• Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Controls, or a closely related field, with emphasis on Controls and Localization.
• 4–7 years of relevant industry experience in controls, GNC, robotics, autonomous systems, or related areas.

Required Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of State-Space Control
• Strong experience with Localization
• Knowledge of advanced/state-of-the-art control algorithms
• Experience designing Controls & Localization algorithms
• Experience with system modeling and simulation
• Strong technical documentation and engineering analysis skills
• Programming experience with Python, C/C++, and/or ROS
• Experience with UGVs, autonomous vehicles, robotics, or similar systems is highly relevant.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The strongest candidates will typically come from robotics, autonomous vehicles, defense, unmanned systems, mobile robotics, or advanced controls environments.

They should be able to take a controls/localization problem, model the system → develop the algorithm → simulate it → implement it → test/debug it on the vehicle → validate performance → document the results.

Best-fit backgrounds include:

• GNC Engineer
• Controls Engineer
• Controls & Localization Engineer
• Robotics Controls Engineer
• Autonomous Vehicle Controls Engineer
• GNC/Autonomy Engineer
• Motion Control Engineer
• Robotics Engineer – Controls
• Autonomous Systems Engineer
• Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer

Preferred industry exposure:

• Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV)
• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)
• Autonomous vehicles
• Defense / unmanned systems
• Robotics
• ADAS / autonomous driving
• Aerospace GNC
• Mobile robotics
• Industrial autonomous systems

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work at a computer workstation throughout the workday.
• Ability to operate computers and office productivity equipment.
• Ability to review technical information and work effectively with engineering teams.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically.
• Ability to navigate an office/work environment.