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Summary

Founding GNC Engineer - Build and own guidance systems for next-generation space intercept platforms

El Segundo, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

Join a venture-backed defense technology startup building autonomous systems designed to operate in high-speed, contested environments. As a founding Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Engineer, you will own the full GNC stack, developing the algorithms and systems required for precision guidance and control under extreme conditions. This role is highly hands-on and cross-functional. You will design flight control architectures, build simulation environments, and work closely with hardware and software teams to deliver a fully integrated system. Your work will directly influence system performance, vehicle design, and overall mission success.

About Us

We are an early-stage engineering team focused on advancing autonomous aerospace systems for national security applications. The company is developing high-performance platforms that combine sensing, control, and propulsion into tightly integrated systems. With strong backing and an emphasis on rapid iteration, the team is focused on solving complex technical challenges with real-world impact.

Job Duties

Design and implement guidance algorithms for midcourse and terminal phases under high-speed, nonlinear dynamics
Develop intercept prediction methods using tracking data and state estimation inputs
Build and tune control systems for aerodynamic surfaces, thrust vectoring, and impulse-based actuation
Model actuator behavior including latency, bandwidth limits, and saturation effects
Implement robust control strategies for high-rate, high-G maneuvering
Develop state estimation pipelines using sensor fusion techniques across multiple data sources
Build filtering and prediction systems that perform reliably under noise, timing variation, and environmental effects
Create and maintain high-fidelity 6DOF simulations for system validation and design iteration
Conduct hardware-in-the-loop testing with embedded systems and real sensor inputs
Support ground and system-level testing, including data analysis and flight software refinement
Collaborate with propulsion, perception, and embedded teams to ensure a reliable real-time GNC pipeline
Influence vehicle design decisions through controllability and performance requirements

Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, robotics, controls, or related field
Strong foundation in classical and modern control theory
3+ years of experience developing GNC systems, simulations, or control architectures
Experience building 6DOF simulations using tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or C++
Deep understanding of state estimation, nonlinear dynamics, and guidance methods
Hands-on experience tuning control systems for autonomous vehicles, aerospace systems, or similar platforms
Familiarity with coordinate systems, navigation transformations, and quaternion math
Ability to work on-site in a fast-paced engineering environment
U.S. citizenship required - must be able to obtain US security clearance

Preferred Experience

Experience with high-speed flight systems, intercept problems, or hypersonic environments
Familiarity with aerodynamics and actuator modeling for advanced control systems
Experience with optimal control approaches such as MPC, LQR, or similar methods
Background working with embedded systems or real-time control loops
Experience integrating perception systems such as IR, EO, or computer vision into guidance pipelines
Exposure to flight-qualified hardware, environmental testing, or system validation

Why Join Us

Employer-paid benefits coverage
Early-stage equity with meaningful ownership
Founding-level role with significant influence on system architecture and company direction
High-impact work focused on real-world national security challenges
Fast-paced environment with direct exposure to hardware development and testing

Compensation Details

$130,000 - $180,000

#LI-AV

Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.

Dice Id: 80183540
Position Id: 423339327181e513722879598d008a79
Posted 6 hours ago

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