Senior GNC Engineer

Castelion; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Job summary

Castelion is seeking a dedicated GNC Engineer to lead control system development for advanced missile platforms. You will design and refine flight paths, validate models, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate flight predictions and robust hardware interfaces.

Responsibilities include building 6 DOF simulations, performing aerodynamic analysis, and specifying sensor and actuator requirements for reliable flight control.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field.
• 2+ years in GNC engineering for aerospace or missile systems.
• Experience with 6 DOF simulation tools and flight models.
• Familiarity with CFD, Missile DATCOM, and aero tools.
• Proficient in SITL implementation and testing.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain 6 DOF simulations for multi-stage flights with SITL/HITL.
• Develop aerodynamic tables and validate with flight tests and CFD/DATCOM.
• Characterize actuator models and specify sensor/performance requirements.

Skills

6 DOF simulation

SITL testing

Flight dynamics

MATLAB

Python

C++

Aerospace engineering

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Missile Datcom

CFD

Kalman filters

Job description

Why Castelion, Why Now

Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus, ownership, and excellence are decisive advantages - and we're building a world-class team to turn bold ideas into real capability.

This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where you'll have significant ownership, collaborate with exceptional teammates, and make a direct, measurable impact on our mission and the future of the company - regardless of your function.

GNC Engineer

As a GNC Engineer at Castelion, you will be at the forefront of developing and refining the control systems that guide and control our advanced missile systems. You will be responsible for controlled flight of development vehicles, focusing on aerodynamically efficient flight paths. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology, creating advanced flight control algorithms while validating simulation models through real-world testing. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver accurate flight predictions, drive hardware specification, and conduct successful flight tests.

Responsibilities

• 6 DOF Simulations: Build, maintain and run multi-DOF simulations for multi-stage vehicle flights. Implement the simulation models in Software in the Loop (SITL) systems and transition them to hardware environments. Build a validation workflow for each controller release and integrate with Hardware in the Loop (HITL) systems to test real-world expected performance.
• Aerodynamic Analysis: Estimate, generate, and calibrate aerodynamic tables and responses. Test and validate aerodynamic performance through flight tests, novel testing, and analytical CFD or Missile DATCOM.
• Electromechanical Actuators: Develop and characterize actuator simulation models based on test data. Specify performance requirements for sensors and mechanisms from a bottom-up approach. Quantify the impact of sensor and mechanism errors on overall performance.

Outcomes

• Roll-Pitch Controlled Single Stage Flights: Design and implement initial control systems to achieve roll-stabilized pitch controlled ballistic paths. Capture flight data to validate simulations and predict aerodynamic performance.
• Roll-Pitch Flight Path on Multi-Stage Vehicles: Expand controllers to multi-stage vehicle while ensuring stable and safe flight envelopes throughout all flight regimes.
• Simulations and Model Predictions: Build and utilize simulations to inform design trades. Specify bandwidth, slew rate, limits, and output sensor requirements for navigation and control.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in GNC engineering or a similar role in the aerospace, defense, or missile systems industry.
• Experience with 6 DOF simulation tools and building flight models for missile systems.
• Familiarity with CFD, Missile Datcom, and other aerodynamics simulation tools.
• Proficient in implementing and testing Software in the Loop (SITL) systems.
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, C++, or similar languages

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience with Hardware in the Loop (HITL) systems.
• Familiarity with Kalman filters for state estimation and advanced control techniques.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and control theory.
• Hands-on experience with electromechanical actuator characterization and building actuator simulation models.

Castelion offers a generous benefits package. Please refer to the bottom of our Careers page for more details.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

This position may require access to classified information or restricted U.S. Government sites, systems, or information, as determined by the Company and/or applicable U.S. Government requirements. If the position is so designated, your employment in the role may be contingent upon your ability to obtain and maintain the required U.S. Government security clearance or other government authorization, and to satisfy any citizenship or other eligibility requirements imposed by applicable law, regulation, executive order, or government contract requirements. You will be notified if and when such requirements apply.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Castelion is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Castelion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, participate in the interview process, or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [e-mail]. Requests for accommodation will be considered on an individual basis and handled in accordance with applicable law.

Castelion is committed to fostering a workplace where employment decisions are based on qualifications, business needs, and the ability to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation.

EAR/ITAR Requirements

This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.