(VMS) Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer

Job#: 3023856

Job Description:
Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Software Engineer

Location: Onsite (Telecommute not available)

Work Schedule: 1st Shift, 9/80A

Travel: Up to 10%

Clearance Requirement: Active DoD Secret Clearance (required at time of application)

Employment Type: Contract to hire opportunity

Pay Rate: Starting at $50 / hour

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Software Engineer to support the design, development, integration, and testing of missile guidance and flight control systems. This role focuses on the development and analysis of high-fidelity simulations and real-time flight software for missile systems, with an emphasis on 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) modeling, guidance algorithms, autopilot design, and missile flight dynamics.

The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop and validate algorithms and simulation tools that support missile flight performance across all mission phases.
Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, verify, and test guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms for missile systems.
• Develop and maintain 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) simulations to design, test, and validate missile flight code.
• Utilize 6DOF simulation models to evaluate system performance and mission effectiveness.
• Design and analyze missile flight dynamics, including autopilot and guidance law development.
• Implement guidance and control algorithms into missile flight software.
• Perform navigation algorithm development involving statistical processing of sensor and measured data.
• Develop guidance equations to achieve desired missile position, orientation, and trajectory.
• Support control system design and analysis, including control law development and hardware/software requirements.
• Participate in algorithm verification, validation, and performance assessment activities.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, and software teams to ensure end-to-end integration and mission success.
• Document designs, analyses, and test results in accordance with engineering standards.

Basic Qualifications

• Education & Experience (one of the following):
  • Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant professional experience
  • Master's degree with 3+ years of relevant professional experience
  • PhD with 1+ year of relevant professional experience
  • OR an additional 4+ years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
• Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance (must be active at time of application)
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Missile guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms
  • Missile simulation and flight dynamics
  • 6DOF modeling and simulation environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing, tuning, implementing, and testing guidance algorithms and autopilot parameters for guided missiles and/or interceptors
• Strong background in control systems theory and flight dynamics
• Proficiency in developing and maintaining engineering and analysis tools using:
  • C++
  • MATLAB
  • Python
• Experience with C++ software development in a Linux environment
• Familiarity with real-time embedded flight software development and verification is a plus

Additional Information

• This role is 100% onsite and requires collaboration with classified programs.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.