GNC Autopilot Engineer

Corvid is seeking a talented and motivated Autopilot Engineer to join our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) department. In this role, you will be responsible for designing autopilot and guidance flight control systems and their implementation in the supersonic and hypersonic flight regimes. As a senior engineer, you will own autopilot subsystem requirements, plan to fulfill those requirements, and develop schedules for design, implementation, and verification phases for various programs.

You will work with other GNC department employees in designing and analyzing Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) autopilot and guidance law algorithms for flight vehicle stabilization and control. Additionally, you will identify and mitigate risk to autopilot subsystems, and work with program management on program requirements and schedules.

The ideal candidate should enjoy developing models for high-speed aerospace vehicles, simulating the problems in Python and C++, and implementing the solutions in flight hardware.

• Develop, analyze, and integrate Multiple-Input Multiple-Output autopilot algorithms for flight vehicle stabilization and control
• Develop and analyze trajectory optimization and guidance methods
• Develop, test, and maintain autopilot and guidance algorithms in Corvid's six degree of freedom simulation model. Support system‑level performance analyses with Monte Carlo simulations using Corvid's HPC environment
• Coordinate with external organizations for GNC subsystem planning, testing, and collaboration
• Support development of guided supersonic and hypersonic flight vehicles
• Develop test plans and conduct ground testing of GNC algorithms in Corvid's GNC laboratories and other facilities
• Day‑to‑day informal and formal report generation
• Support flight testing

• Candidate must be a US Citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance (Active Secret/Top Secret security clearance preferred)
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering (Master's degree or Ph.D. with a GNC focus preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in developing autopilot and guidance laws, particularly using modern control theory methods
• Proficiency with C++, Python, Linux, and Git version control
• Solid understanding of rigid body dynamics, IMU sensors, flight computer development, and flight code implementation. Demonstrated implementations of all inner‑loop autopilot necessities (gain computation and margin analyses, gain scheduling, passive filters)
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear requirements and documentation

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan via our generous 401(k) Matching
• Medical Insurance via Blue Cross – including a PPO and High‑Deductible offering (with company HSA contribution)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) based on years of industry experience (not tenure)
• Career Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Company provided life, long‑term and short‑term disability insurance
• Incentive opportunities to reward strong performance and corporate growth
• Attractive corporate facilities that include Lake Norman access, out‑door activities (including grills) and more