Senior Guidance Systems Engineer Rio Rancho – New Mexico Engineering

Castelion Corporation; Rio Rancho (NM); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Castelion is hiring a Senior Guidance Systems Engineer to develop guidance solutions for long-range hypersonic strike vehicles. You will shape flight performance from concept through tests, working with multidisciplinary teams to design, analyze, and validate guidance algorithms in a rapid hardware-driven environment.

You will lead trajectory simulations, optimize guidance methods, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with program leadership to ensure mission success and robust system

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of guidance system design, analysis, and validation for high-speed vehicles.
• Experience with DoD or similar programs.
• Background in trajectory/flight simulation (3DOF and 6DOF) and real-time generation/optimization.
• Familiarity with AI/deep learning for trajectory optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and optimization of hypersonic flight vehicle guidance methods.
• Conduct trajectory and flight simulations to evaluate performance and validate decisions.
• Analyze inertial and active guidance for robust performance under varying conditions.
• Collaborate with avionics, seeker, flight software, and GNC teams for integration.
• Define and execute test plans for subscale and full-scale flight tests; mentor junior engineers.
• Partner with program leadership to make technical trades aligned with mission success.

Skills

Guidance system design

Trajectory simulation

Real-time trajectory generation

AI in trajectory optimization

TAOS / POST

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

TAOS

POST

Onboard trajectory generation

Job description

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.

Senior Guidance Systems Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Guidance Engineer to develop guidance solutions for Castelion's long-range hypersonic strike vehicles. This role is critical in shaping the flight performance of our hypersonic systems from concept through flight tests and operational deployment. You will work hands-on with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design, analyze, characterize, and validate guidance algorithms in a rapid hardware-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimization of hypersonic flight vehicle guidance methods to maximize performance, stability, and maneuverability in atmospheric and space environments
• Conduct trajectory and flight simulations to evaluate guidance system performance, identify improvement opportunities, and validate design decisions
• Analyze and enhance the inertial and active guidance of Castelion's long-range hypersonic systems, ensuring robust performance under variable environmental conditions
• Work closely with teams in avionics, seeker, flight software, and GNC to ensure seamless vehicle integration
• Help define and execute test plans for subscale and full-scale flight tests, translating results into system-level design improvements
• Mentor and guide junior engineers in best practices
• Partner closely with program leadership to make technical trades aligned with mission success

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field
• 3+ years of experience in guidance system design, analysis, and validation for high-speed vehicles (missiles, rockets, hypersonic glide vehicles, or maneuvering re-entry systems)
• Demonstrated ability to field guidance systems for DoD or similar programs
• Strong background in trajectory/flight simulation (3DOF and 6DOF) and real-time trajectory generation/optimization methods
• Experience with onboard trajectory generation approaches
• Familiarity with the application of AI/deep learning to trajectory optimization
• Proficiency in flight/trajectory analysis tools such as TAOS, POST, or equivalent
• Strong problem-solving mindset, thriving in a fast-paced, hardware-rich, high flight cadence environment

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.

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.

EXPORT CONTROLS: This position may require access to information and technology subject to U.S. export controls. Are you a U.S. person, defined as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1158? *

If (f) Other, please explain If (f) Other, please explain

U.S. Work Authorization: Are you legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring current or future employer sponsorship? *