GNC Engineer

Description

• Design and implement control and estimation algorithms that account for actuator limits, sensor noise, timing, and real-world system constraints
• Define control-system architecture and requirements for fixed-wing and autonomous aircraft, including primary flight control, energy management, and mode logic
• Design and execute flight-test plans, analyze telemetry and logs, tune controllers, and rapidly iterate based on real-world performance
• Hands-on development on PX4 or ArduPilot or ArduPlane platforms
• Lead system identification and aerodynamic model refinement based on real flight data
• Develop robust, fault-tolerant, and graceful-degradation control strategies for reliable autonomous operation
• Use simulation, SIL and HIL testing, Monte Carlo analysis, and system-performance tools to verify and validate flight-control and estimation software
• Contribute to technical standards, code reviews, and continuous improvement in controls and GNC development processes
• Stay current with advances in controls, GNC, robotics, and autonomous systems and apply new techniques where beneficial
• Integrate navigation and estimator outputs, including GPS-denied or alternative navigation solutions, into control architectures
• Take ownership from concept through deployment in a startup environment where speed, rigor, flight testing, and accountability matter
• Model dynamical systems, develop accurate plant models, and validate them using flight-test data and simulation environments
• Participate in system design reviews, safety assessments, and documentation to support high-integrity engineering practices
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across simulation, ground testing, and flight operations
• Collaborate closely with autonomy, avionics, embedded software, and flight-test teams to ensure seamless full-system performance

Requirements

• Experience with estimator development such as EKF, UKF, or complementary filters
• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
• Proficiency in C++, Python, and MATLAB or Octave
• Experience with system modeling and test-based validation
• Ability to evaluate flight data, debug issues, and communicate findings across teams
• Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically for testing and demonstrations
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• High proficiency in C or C++, Python, and MATLAB or Simulink or Octave
• Experience with GPS-denied or alternate navigation technologies
• Masters degree or Ph.D in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle GNC development, simulation, & applied controls
• Experience building and tuning control systems for robotics, autonomy, or flight vehicles
• Experience flying RC fixed-wing aircraft
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel to various testing locations as needed
• Strong foundation in classical and modern control theory
• Ability to clearly communicate control-system concepts to engineers outside your discipline
• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE [as required]
• Experience running flight-test campaigns and tuning flight controllers
• 3+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle GNC development, simulation, & applied controls

Benefits

• Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
• We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.
• We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate
• Generous Parental Leave
• Hospital Indemnity insurance
• Critical Illness insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.
• Equity grants for new hires
• Unlimited PTO
• Accident insurance

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance