Senior GNC Engineer — Flight Controls for Propulsion

Venusaero; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock options

Medical benefits (dental & vision)

Flex-Friday

Unlimited PTO

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Venus Aerospace in Houston, TX is seeking a Senior GNC Engineer to design, build, and flight test revolutionary propulsion technology. You will be the first GNC engineer to implement Thrust Vector Control on a Rotating Detonation Engine vehicle, ensuring flight readiness and mission success.

You will lead the design of flight controls, collaborate with flight software, avionics, vehicle design, and HITL teams, and mentor junior engineers while solving hard propulsion challenges in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering or a related discipline.
• 5+ years GN&C experience.
• 3+ years developing control systems in aerospace.
• Experience validating GN&C algorithms via simulation and flight tests.
• Deep knowledge of flight control and navigation sensor systems.
• Strong testing mindset and data-driven design.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience mentoring and training junior engineers.
• Resilience and flexibility under technical setbacks.
• Ability to meet ITAR requirements.
• Experience with nonlinear flight control design methods.
• Knowledge of classical and modern control techniques.
• Good systems engineering and configuration management.
• Experience with rockets, missiles, or aerospace vehicles.
• Flight test experience.
• Active DoD security clearance or ability to obtain one.
• Passion for rockets, aircraft, and hypersonic travel.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

GN&C engineering

Flight control systems

Control theory

Systems engineering

Flight test

Programming & simulation

Test data analysis

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

ITAR compliance

Security clearance

Nonlinear control design

Classical/modern control

Rockets/avionics experience

Documentation & communication

Problem solving

Education

Engineering degree or related discipline

Job description

Venus Aerospace in Houston, TX is seeking a Senior GNC Engineer to design, build, and flight test revolutionary propulsion technology. You will be the first GNC engineer to implement Thrust Vector Control on a Rotating Detonation Engine vehicle, ensuring flight readiness and mission success.

You will lead the design of flight controls, collaborate with flight software, avionics, vehicle design, and HITL teams, and mentor junior engineers while solving hard propulsion challenges in a fast-paced,