Staff GNC Software Engineer

Ursa Major; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Parental and adoptive leave

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401k with company match

Equity grants

Job summary

Ursa Major in Boulder, CO seeks a GNC Software Engineer to develop, validate, and maintain guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for flight systems used in aerospace and defense. You will translate concepts into robust, flight-ready software across simulations, embedded implementations, and HIL environments.

The role requires a solid background in control, estimation, and vehicle dynamics, plus experience with C/C++ in embedded or real-time systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering/CS field.
• Professional experience developing GNC algorithms or flight software.
• Strong understanding of classical control, estimation, and vehicle dynamics.
• Experience implementing algorithms in C/C++ or similar embedded languages.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent.
• Familiarity with real-time or embedded software development environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain flight GNC software for aerospace applications.
• Translate GNC requirements and models into embedded software.
• Develop and execute simulations to evaluate GNC performance.
• Support HIL and flight test activities.
• Analyze test and flight data to drive improvements.
• Collaborate with systems, avionics, software, and test engineers.
• Document designs, analyses, and test results.

Skills

Control theory

Estimation

Vehicle dynamics

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

C/C++

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

The future of aerospace and defense starts here. Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands. Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team. A team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are an intrinsically motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills, knowing that there is always room for growth.

As a GNC Software Engineer you will develop, implement, and validate guidance, navigation, and control algorithms in software for flight systems in aerospace and defense applications. This role translates GNC concepts into robust, flight-ready software, working across simulation, embedded implementation, and hardware-in-the-loop environments. You will own well-defined subsystems or features, and collaborate closely with systems, avionics, propulsion, and test teams to ensure GNC software meets performance, safety, and mission requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain flight GNC software for aerospace applications
• Translate GNC requirements and models into efficient, reliable embedded software
• Develop and execute simulations to evaluate guidance, navigation, and control performance
• Support system integration, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight test activities
• Analyze test and flight data to assess performance and drive improvements
• Contribute to requirements definition, verification, and traceability for GNC functions
• Identify and mitigate technical risks through analysis, testing, and peer review
• Collaborate cross-functionally with systems, avionics, software, and test engineers
• Document designs, analyses, and test results for internal and external stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Professional experience developing GNC algorithms or flight software for aerospace or defense systems
• Strong understanding of classical control, estimation, and vehicle dynamics
• Experience implementing algorithms in C/C++ or similar embedded languages
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent
• Familiarity with real-time or embedded software development environments
• Ability to work effectively across disciplines and communicate technical concepts clearly
• Ability to work effectively in teams or individually

Desirable Experience

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline
• Experience with navigation sensors (IMUs, GPS, star trackers, etc.) and state estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering)
• Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop testing, flight testing, or operational flight systems
• Familiarity with safety-critical or regulated development environments (e.g., DO-178 or equivalent processes)
• Experience with Python or similar scripting languages for analysis and tooling
• Prior experience supporting aerospace or defense programs through integration and test phases

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $150,000 - $185,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.

Classification: Full-time Exempt

Benefits Include

• Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
• Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
• Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
• Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
• EAP Program
• Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match
• Equity Grants in the Company

NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.

Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).

Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

We’re an equal-opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.