(VMS) Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer

Job#: 3017935

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

On-Site | Active TS Clearance Required | Advanced Flight Systems
Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to support the development, analysis, and testing of advanced flight systems. In this role, you will design and implement high-fidelity algorithms, models, and simulation toolchains that support missile flight code development and mission performance evaluation.

This position is ideal for a GNC expert who thrives in complex modeling environments, enjoys mentoring early-career engineers, and wants to contribute directly to high-impact national security programs.
Work Details

• Location: On-site
• Telework: Not available
• Travel: ~10% (Baltimore & Los Angeles area)
• Clearance: Active DoD Top Secret clearance required
• Bill Rate: Starting at $55.00 / hour, rates flexible depending on candidate qualifications

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, verify, and test high-quality GNC algorithms, models, and flight software
• Develop 6-Degree-of-Freedom (6DoF) simulation models to evaluate missile flight performance
• Conduct mission analysis for both flight test and tactical systems
• Create and test missile autopilot, navigation, and guidance schemes
• Analyze missile flight dynamics, control laws, and system performance
• Build simulation toolchains and evaluate flight software behavior
• Provide mentorship and oversight for early-career engineers
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure technical quality and performance

Basic Qualifications

• STEM Degree Requirements:
  • Bachelor's + 5 years of relevant experience
  • OR Master's + 3 years
  • OR PhD + 0 years
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance (current and in-scope)
• Demonstrated expertise in Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) engineering
• Experience designing, implementing, and testing flight control algorithms
• Hands-on experience in high-fidelity 6-DOF modeling and simulation environments
• Proficiency in C++, with additional experience in Python and MATLAB

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with missile GNC systems
• Strong C++ development skills in a Linux environment
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Python toolchains
• Master's or PhD in a relevant STEM discipline
• Prior experience designing flight-critical guidance or navigation software

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.