GNC Engineer I

AeroVironment • Moorpark, CA

20h

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's 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%)
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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 one's own interests

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

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level