Sr. Principal - GNC Engineer

AeroVironment, Inc.; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 247,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Principal GNC Engineer to help architect flight algorithms and lead development of unmanned air vehicles. The role combines GN&C (60%), flight testing (20%), PCB Design (5%), Software (5%), and other projects (10%).

You will mentor engineers, define system architecture, supervise validation, and coordinate with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to meet program goals. Travel within the continental U.S. up to 20% is expected.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related engineering discipline or equivalent
• 15+ years' experience in aircraft design, GN&C, and program management
• Hands-on experience with autopilot hardware/software and flight control systems

Responsibilities

• Oversee design, development and validation of the flight control system.
• Define system architecture and flow requirements to design teams.
• Lead flight testing and validation from subscale to full scale.
• Mentor engineers and communicate project status to stakeholders

Skills

GN&C expertise

Flight testing

Leadership

Communication

Systems engineering

Education

Advanced engineering degree

PhD preferred

Tools

Flight control hardware

Autopilot software

SIL/HIL testing tools

Job description

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionWe are searching for a talented Sr. Principal. Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to play a critical role in developing next-generation unmanned air vehicles and robotic systems. As a key member of our innovative team, you will help architect flight algorithms, conduct advanced flight testing, and integrate cutting-edge technologies into real-world solutions.This role encompasses a multi-disciplinary background to include GN&C (60%), flight testing (20%), PCB Design (5%), Software (5%) and other projects (10%). This role helps lead development of technical proposals and project estimates, drives technical and engineering conflicts to resolution and ensures the engineering needs of their assigned product development projects are met. As an expert in the field, one uses professional concepts in developing resolution to critical issues and broad design matters.Position ResponsibilitiesAppropriate engineering resources (personnel, equipment, etc.) are identifiedProduct designs meet technical, performance, and quality requirementsSystem Architecture is defined and flowed down to design teamsProject technical progress is tracked and communicated to assess project performancePartners with senior leadership, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and other groups in setting priorities, establishing strategic plans, and addressing issues that cross departmental boundariesOversees the design, development and validation of the flight control system for current and new productsOversees system interfaces, test and flight test activities from subscale to full scale within perimeterImplements designed flight control algorithms on to the aircraft flight control system hardwareOversees preparation and execution of the validation of the flight control system including analysis (SIL/HIL/iron bird)Manages and ensures proper integration and validation of the flight control system together with the avionic system.Provides mentorship and transfer of knowledge to fellow engineersEnsures risks/issues/opportunities are communicated to affected stakeholdersWorks on issues that impact design/selling success and addresses future concepts, products or technologiesOther duties as assignedBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)Advanced degree in a related engineering discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience15+ years' of combined experience in aircraft design and/or project management, GN&C, flight testing, systems engineering and program managementDemonstrated hands-on attitude with a broad range of development experienceHas a comprehensive knowledge of engineering disciplines and prior experience leading the development of many of these systems for manned or unmanned air vehicles: Autopilot hardware and software; Flight control hardware and software; Part 23 & part 27 aircraft certification; Ground control communications hardware and software; Ground control support equipment; Air vehicle subsystems integration & test; Air vehicle systems communications hardware and software; High voltage electrical power systemsTravel within the continental U.S. is required to support flight test operations (up to 20%)Other Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesPhD is preferredDemonstrates knowledge of office software and computer based productivity tools. Demonstrates expertise in engineering processes and design toolsExpertise in appropriate design and simulation tools and validation techniquesDemonstrates strong communication (verbal & written), presentation and collaboration skillsIs a proven leader who has demonstrated people development and leadership skillsAble to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyDemonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills with the ability to work well across disciplines. Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsPhysical DemandsAbility to work in an office and R&D environment (Constant)Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$154,500 - $247,250AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.ITAR Requirement:This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.About AV:AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.ITARU.S. Citizenship required