The GNC Engineer I is responsible for the rigorous analytical design, stability analysis, and integration of flight control laws for advanced aerospace platforms. This role leverages a deep understanding of classical control systems and dynamic systems to ensure robust performance across complex flight envelopes. The GNC Engineer I assists in developing technical proposals and project estimates, resolves engineering conflicts through data-driven analysis, and ensures that the aerodynamic and controlled-motion requirements of the product are fully realized.

Key Technical Focus Areas

• Guidance, Navigation, & Control (60): Develop and implement control algorithms utilizing aerodynamic coefficients and vehicle dynamics. You will be responsible for building and maintaining high-fidelity 6-Degree-of-Freedom (6DOF) simulations to validate system performance and stability margins.

• Flight Testing & Validation (20): Bridge the gap between simulation and reality by supporting flight test campaigns, analyzing telemetry, and refining models based on real-world performance.

• Sensors & Actuation (10): Specify, integrate, and characterize navigation sensors (IMUs, GPS, air-data systems, gimbal systems, visual based navigation) and actuation systems, ensuring the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) matches theoretical dynamics.

• Avionics & Software (10): Support GNC-related hardware design and contribute to the embedded software architecture required to execute real-time flight logic.

Position Responsibilities

• Supports the design, development and validation of the flight control system for current and new products

• Supports system interfaces, test and flight test activities from subscale to full scale within  perimeter

• Supports implementation of designed flight control algorithms on to the aircraft flight control system hardware

• Supports the preparation and execution of validating the flight control system including analysis (SIL/HIL/iron bird)

• Ensures proper integration and validation of the flight control system together with the avionic system

• Supports the test team as required to explore and validate technical solutions

• Works on problems of limited scope and follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained

• Normally receives detailed instructions on all work under general supervision and mentorship

• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelors degree in a related engineering discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

• Up to 2 years of combined experience in aircraft design and/or project management, GN&C, flight testing, systems engineering and program management

• Demonstrated hands-on attitude with a strong development experience

• Has basic knowledge of engineering disciplines and prior experience in the development of any 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

• Travel within the continental U.S. is required to support flight test operations (up to 20)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Familiar with C, MATLAB/Simulink, office software and computer-based productivity tools. Demonstrated competence in engineering processes and design tools including Git

• Familiar with office software and computer based productivity tools. Demonstrated competence in engineering processes and design tools

• Familiar with the appropriate design and simulation tools and validation techniques

• Demonstrates strong communication (verbal & written), presentation and collaboration skills

• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties

• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives

• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products

• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

• Demonstrates 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 ones own interests

Physical Demands

• Ability 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 Level

 

The salary range for this role is:

AeroVironment 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.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

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.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required