Sr. GNC Engineer – Seeker Missile Systems (Mid-level)

Mavensoft Technologies, LLC.; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mavensoft Technologies, LLC in Chandler, AZ seeks a Sr. GNC Engineer for Seeker Missile Systems, mid-level.

You will lead development of guidance, navigation and control algorithms and ensure high-precision intercept performance. Responsibilities include designing 6-DOF simulations, analyzing trajectory estimates, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating across hardware and software teams to deliver robust flight software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience or Master’s with 3 years or PhD with 0 years in engineering.
• Must have an existing U.S. Government security clearance at the Secret level.
• Demonstrated experience with GNC concepts, algorithms, or analysis for aerospace or missile systems.
• Experience leading or contributing to development, modeling, simulation, test, integration, or analysis for aerospace or missiles.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, or similar tools in Linux.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, verification, and test of flight and simulation software for guidance and control.
• Own 6-DOF simulations to develop, analyze, and validate flight algorithms.
• Define performance metrics, integrate hardware and software components, and conduct trade studies.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical directions on seeker and tracking approaches.

Skills

GNC algorithms

Missile Guidance

Guidance law development

Seeker measurements

6-DoF simulation

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C/C++

Linux

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Aerospace/Mechanical engineering

Master’s degree in Electrical/Aerospace/Mechanical engineering

PhD in related engineering field

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

C/C++

Linux

Job description

• Chandler, Arizona

Role: Sr. GNC Engineer – Seeker Missile Systems (Mid-level)
Duration: 12 months
Location: Chandler, AZ (On-Site)
Terms: W2 Contract
Work Authorization: US Citizen; must hold a current/active Secret security clearance
Key Skills: GNC algorithms, Missile Guidance, Guidance law development, Seeker measurements (line-of-sight (LOS), pixel/centroid, infrared, Doppler, azimuth/elevation) : Six degrees of freedom (6-DoF) simulation, missile trajectory simulation, MATLAB, Simulink, IR and RF seekers, Estimation and nonlinear filtering (Kalman Filter, Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF)), SIL/HIL testing, C++, Python, Linux
Position Summary:

• In this role, you will lead the development and evaluation of guidance, navigation, and control systems for advanced aerospace applications, focusing on seeker-based missile engagements and precision intercept performance.
• You will own key algorithm design and analysis tasks, applying mathematical models, control theory, and state estimation techniques to process complex seeker measurements and drive guidance and control laws.
• Your work will include architecting and maintaining six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) simulations, defining performance metrics, integrating hardware and software components, and conducting rigorous performance assessments and trade studies.
• You will mentor early-career engineers, provide technical directions on seeker and tracking approaches, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system reliability and mission success.

Responsibilities:

• Leading the design, development, implementation, verification, and test of high-quality flight and simulation software; owning the design and maintenance of 6-DOF simulations used to develop, analyze, and validate flight algorithms and code; optimizing flight and simulation software for performance, robustness, and maintainability; defining and executing analysis campaigns using trajectory optimization and evaluation tools; and presenting technical results, risks, and recommendations to program leadership.
• This position is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required program access(es), within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of professional experience, or a Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience, or a PhD with 0 years of professional experience, in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Must have an existing U.S. Government security clearance at the Secret level.
• Demonstrated experience with guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) concepts, algorithms, or analysis for aerospace or missile systems.
• Experience leading or significantly contributing to development, modeling, simulation, test, integration, or analysis activities for aerospace, missiles, spacecraft, or autonomous systems.
• Proficiency with one or more of the following: MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, or similar technical software tools, with development in a Linux environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong foundation in control systems theory, guidance law development, and flight software implementation.
• Experience with state estimation and nonlinear filtering (e.g., Kalman Filter, Extended Kalman Filter, Unscented Kalman Filter), including tuning and performance assessment in realistic scenarios.
• Deep domain knowledge in target tracking and seeker systems (infrared and/or radio frequency), including requirements definition and algorithm design.
• Experience developing and validating target dynamics and measurement models and integrating them into end-to-end 6-DOF simulations.
• Experience with seeker measurements such as angle-only measurements, line-of-sight (LOS) rate estimation, pixel/centroid-based measurements for infrared seekers, and/or range, range-rate (Doppler), azimuth/elevation, and angle-only tracking for RF seekers.
• Experience with data association methods, track initiation and maintenance logic, and multi-target tracking in the presence of false alarms and clutter.
• Proven ability to lead small technical teams or work packages, mentor junior engineers, and communicate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python and experience with software development tools such as Jira, version control, and continuous integration workflows in a Linux environment.