Guidance, Navigation, Controls; GNC Engineer

Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC) Engineer

TSC seeks a remote-based GNC Engineer to design, integrate, test, and deliver flight control systems or mission‑critical onboard software for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The role will be based in Crystal City, VA with up to 25% travel.

• Develop, modify, and tune guidance and control systems for fixed‑wing aircraft.
• Develop, modify, and tune navigation systems using sensor fusion of 6‑DOF IMU, magnetometer, GNSS, pressure, and ranging sensors.
• Develop and modify 6‑DOF and Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop simulation environments.
• Simulate, analyze, control, and test on a 6‑DOF motion platform for autonomous UAS development and validation.
• Design and develop flight or mission‑critical onboard software for unmanned systems.
• Assist with guidance, navigation, and control; mission sequencing; payload control; redundancy and contingency management; uplink/downlink packet encoding and decoding; serial protocol conversion; hardware‑in‑the‑loop simulation; ground‑based GUIs; and aircraft subsystem control.
• Write and modify embedded software in C/C++, Python, and shell scripts to adjust flight behaviors.
• Use development tools such as JIRA, Git, C/C++, CMake, Linux, MATLAB; and collaborate on large, multi‑language projects.
• Participate in code reviews, flight testing, customer presentations, bench testing, hardware‑in‑the‑loop, and field testing of UAS platforms.
• Collaborate with systems, software, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines to plan, design, and develop integrated systems.
• Design software architecture, interfaces, and gateways for communication with external autonomy software services.
• Implement functionality using a model‑based approach and conduct software verification and validation, including writing test cases and procedures.
• Develop, implement, and document data and software application test plans to ensure deliverables meet quality standards.
• Support processes and reporting activities for internal and external customer deliverables; prepare recurring reports, data validation documentation, and analysis.
• Interface with hardware design teams to derive solutions and coordinate integration.

• BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Aerospace, Controls engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience developing MATLAB/Simulink control systems with auto‑code capabilities; alternatively, MS in Controls or Aerospace Engineering with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Embedded code experience preferred.
• US citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.
• Experience developing physics‑based 6‑DOF simulations and motion platforms.
• Proficiency with Gazebo or similar simulation tools, MATLAB/Simulink, C, C++, and Python.
• Experience writing scripts for batch processes and data post‑processing from simulation or flight testing, including report summarization.
• Experience developing guidance and autonomy algorithms for denied environments preferred.
• Familiarity with software configuration management tools, version control systems, defect tracking tools, and peer‑review processes.

• Minimum two years of hands‑on professional experience in at least one of the following areas:
  • Model‑based design and/or testing using the Simulink/Stateflow tool chain.
  • Software development in aircraft guidance, navigation, and control or other robotic systems.
  • Ground‑ or airborne mission systems; general aerospace flight control or cockpit avionics systems; ground stations; or payload control.
  • Development and operation of hardware‑in‑the‑loop simulators, and testing/troubleshooting of HW/SW interfaces.

• Stable work environment with competitive salary.
• Comprehensive benefit package including ESOP participation, 401(k), flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, co‑sponsored health plan, and paid leave.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.