Senior Guidance Navigation and Control Engineer

General Atomics; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 116,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) in Huntsville, AL seeks a Senior Guidance, Navigation and Control engineer to develop GNC algorithms and implement them in C/C++ and FORTRAN within six-DOF flight simulations. The role supports precision munition projects and collaborates with GA-EMS teams in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have advanced engineering education and extensive experience with high-fidelity missile/Hypersonic system simulations, DoD security

Qualifications

• Bachelor, Masters, or PhD in engineering with progressive experience (12+ yrs with BS, 10+ with MS, 7+ with PhD)
• Strong understanding of guidance, navigation, and control concepts for all flight phases
• Experience with high-fidelity flight simulations of missiles/projectiles/hypersonic systems
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Git; FORTRAN is desired
• Strong GNC performance analysis using Matlab or Python
• Clear communication, teamwork, and ability to work independently

Responsibilities

• Develops GNC algorithms and implements them in C/C++ and FORTRAN in six-DOF flight simulations
• Supports development of precision munitions and hypersonic systems
• Analyzes simulation and test data for model validation and improvements
• Leads and mentors GNC engineers on complex development efforts
• Prepares briefing materials for design reviews and collaborates with teams

Skills

C/C++ programming

MATLAB

Python

GNC analysis

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in engineering

Tools

Git

FORTRAN

Flight simulations

Matlab

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

Job Summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

We have an exciting opportunity in our Aerospace Systems Engineering Directorate. This full-time position for a Senior Guidance, Navigation and Control engineer will be located at our Huntsville, AL office in Cummings Research Park. This position will provide technical expertise for precision munition guidance, navigation and control algorithm design and subsystem development, simulation modeling, and detailed analyses for one or more weapon system projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBITIES

• Develops guidance, navigation and/or control algorithms and implements them in C/C++ and FORTRAN based six degree-of-freedom flight simulations.
• Supports development of precision munitions such as guided missiles, gun-launched projectiles, and hypersonic weapon systems.
• Analyzes simulation, ground test, and flight test data in support of simulation model validation and algorithm improvements.
• Leads and mentors teams of Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) engineers on complex development efforts.
• Supports simulation development and documentation using GA-EMS guidelines and best industry practices.
• Develops and presents briefing materials for design reviews.
• Supports peer reviews of GNC algorithms, simulation models, analysis tools, and other software modules as required.
• Facilitates rapid resolution of delays that impact simulation and analysis tasks including real-time, thorough communication with task leads, program management and other leadership is required.
• Collaborates daily with GA and customer engineering and program management teams.
• Supports development of GNC related data deliverables.
• Supports concept development activities and creation of proposals and technical white papers.
• Performs other duties as required.

Travel expectations

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a thorough understanding of guidance, navigation, and control concepts and principles for all phases of flight.
• Prior experience with developing and using high fidelity flight simulations of missiles, projectiles or hypersonic vehicles is required.
• Must have strong skills in C and C++ code development as well as version control processes using Git. Experience with FORTRAN is desired also.
• Must demonstrate strong GNC performance analysis capability using tools such as Matlab or Python.
• Must possess the ability to develop and communicate new concepts; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Must have strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas.
• Must have an active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret level security clearance (or equivalent DOE security clearance), with the ability to upgrade to Top Secret if required.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Success in position requires consistent display of the following key abilities:
  • Strong initiative - Ability and desire to work closely with a small to medium sized multi-disciplinary team to rapidly develop and mature a new weapon system.
  • Excellent communication - The successful candidate will routinely document, develop, and present technical briefings, reports, and other documentation so that stakeholders across the organization readily understand the content and their related actions.
  • Rapid and effective problem solving – The successful candidate will identify issues, analyze and interpret data and develop innovative solutions to a variety of complex problems.
  • Schedule performance - influencing and collaborating across the organization to result in contract schedule success.

Desired Job Qualifications

• Experience with implementing and testing autonomy, collaborative engagement, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms is highly desired.
• Experience with developing GN&C solutions for subsonic and supersonic cruise missiles is highly desired.
• Experience with modeling of missile control system actuators and guidance and/or navigations sensors is highly desired.
• Experience with signal processing is highly desired.
• Experience with developing algorithms and software for electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) or radio frequency (RF) terminal seekers, and associated simulation models to predict seeker performance, is desired.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 116,480 - 208,505