GNC Engineer

GNC Engineer - Shape the Future of Space Defense with Cutting-Edge Technology!

El Segundo, CA | On-site

Join an innovative startup, currently in its seed funding stage, as a Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Engineer, where you will have the opportunity to revolutionize space-based missile defense systems. Your role will be crucial in crafting the complete guidance, navigation, and control architecture for our advanced interceptors. By developing flight control algorithms and essential development tools, you will ensure that these interceptors accurately reach their targets.

This is an opportunity to make a significant impact on a project of national importance, delivering autonomous solutions to hypersonic and ballistic threats.

We are a dynamic, elite engineering team focused on developing next‑generation missile defense technology. Our mission is to design autonomous orbital interceptors that can neutralize threats in space, a challenge that has yet to be accomplished. As part of our team, you'll be at the forefront of integrating advanced sensing, guidance, and spaceflight technologies. With rapid iteration cycles and massive ownership over projects, our engineers play a pivotal role in shaping both the company's future and the defense strategy for millions.

• Create and implement guidance algorithms for high-speed, non-linear dynamics in midcourse and terminal homing scenarios
• Develop and fine‑tune control loops for aerodynamic surfaces and actuators like thrust vectoring
• Implement robust control strategies for high‑rate, high‑G maneuvers
• Construct intercept prediction algorithms utilizing tracking data and state estimation
• Model actuator bandwidth, latency, saturation, and uncertainties
• Design advanced prediction and filtering systems that withstand noise and thermal effects
• Develop and maintain comprehensive 6
  
  DOF simulations of interceptor dynamics
• Conduct hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing with real sensors and scene generators
• Collaborate with engineers across sensing, propulsion, and embedded systems to build a reliable real‑time GNC pipeline

• B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Controls, or related fields
• Profound knowledge of classical and modern control theory
• Experience in creating 6
  
  DOF flight simulations using tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or C++
• Strong understanding of state estimation, nonlinear dynamics, and guidance algorithms
• Proven experience in tuning controllers for UAVs, rockets, missiles, or autonomous systems

• Background in high-speed interceptors, hypersonics, or missile guidance
• Familiarity with aerodynamics, actuator modeling, or impulse-based control systems
• Experience with optimal control strategies like MPC, LQR, or differential games
• Proficiency with embedded real-time systems, RTOS, or high-rate control loops
• Ability to integrate perception (IR/EO, CV algorithms) into closed-loop guidance
• Experience with MIL-STD flight hardware, environmental testing, or flight qualification

• Employer covers 100% of your benefits
• Early-stage equity in a pioneering space defense startup
• Opportunity for full product ownership over propulsion systems
• Founding engineering role with significant influence
• Engage in impactful work at the intersection of space and national security
• Collaborate with a team led by a technical founder with experience at leading aerospace companies
• Be part of a mission-critical effort to protect millions

$120,000 - $180,000