Guidance Navigation Controls; GNC Engineer V​/VI Fort Walton , Florida,

Guidance Navigation Controls (GNC) Engineer V/VI

Location:

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States

At Zone 5 Technologies, our team is redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. We develop cutting‑edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology and solve complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities and looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next‑generation flight systems, you belong here.

The GNC Engineer V/VI is a senior‑level individual contributor role responsible for leading the design, development, and optimization of advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for UAS. This position involves driving innovation in flight controls software, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating across disciplines to deliver cutting‑edge UAS technologies. Engineers in this role will contribute to strategic initiatives, ensure high performance in flight control systems, and lead efforts from concept to flight testing.

• Lead the design, analysis, and development of flight controls software for Group 1 to 4 UAS.
• Architect and implement advanced software components for deployment to flight tests.
• Oversee the creation and execution of high‑fidelity SWIL and HWIL simulations to validate system performance.
• Develop and refine complex models in Matlab/Simulink, ensuring accuracy and performance optimization.
• Perform advanced stability and performance analyses, providing guidance on control system optimization.
• Mentor and train junior engineers, fostering technical growth and team collaboration.
• Drive effective communication and alignment across engineering disciplines to meet project objectives.
• Lead research initiatives in advanced flight control methodologies, embedded systems, and auto‑code generation.
• Produce comprehensive technical documentation and lead peer review processes to ensure quality and compliance.

• Education:
  
  Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  10+ years in flight controls engineering, with at least 5 years in UAS applications.
• Expertise in Matlab/Simulink and auto‑code generation for embedded systems.
• Advanced knowledge of control theory, flight dynamics, and embedded systems.
• Experienced in state estimation and Kalman filtering.
• Proven ability to run and analyze SWIL and HWIL simulations.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with Group 1‑4 UAS flight controls and avionics suites.
• Preferred:
  Experience leading multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.
• Preferred:
  Knowledge of advanced control techniques and optimization algorithms.
• Preferred:
  History of contributing to successful flight test programs and R&D projects.

• Comprehensive benefit package options including medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401(k) with company match.
• 4 weeks of paid time off each year.
• 12 annual company holidays.

Level V: $188,000 - $216,000
Level VI: $216,000 - $250,000

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E‑Verify system.