GNC Engineer

Grid Aero

$140K — $180K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in Guidance Navigation and Control for fixed-wing aircraft.
  • Expertise in PID and total energy-based control systems using MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Experience with flight testing GNC algorithms, particularly for DAA.
  • Knowledge of sensor calibration and noise characterization.
  • Familiarity with programming in C/C++ and Python.
  • Understanding of adaptive and data-driven control algorithms.

Responsibilities

  • Develop modular and scalable flight control algorithms and simulations.
  • Create control system modules in Simulink/C++ and integrate them into the system.
  • Evaluate stability and performance of control systems with simulations and flight tests.
  • Participate in test planning and post-test analysis for aircraft.
  • Engage in cross-functional discussions on product and mentor teams in software practices.
  • Integrate computer vision and AI/ML for mission optimization and assessments.

Benefits

  • Engage in mission-driven work tackling national security issues.
  • Opportunity for significant equity stake in the company.
  • Direct and visible impact as an early hire.
  • Lead the development of innovative, game-changing air logistics products.
  • Collaborate with experienced aerospace founders for personal and professional growth.
Full Job Description
Role Overview:
We are seeking a GNC Engineer to play a critical leadership role in advancing Grid.aero's flight control and guidance systems. In this position, you will own and evolve the Flight Controls architecture across the platform, driving technical excellence from design through flight test and operational deployment.

As a member of the engineering team, you will work closely with cross-functional partners including avionics, systems, and software to mature our technology. You will have significant influence over technical direction, processes, and long-term roadmap decisions.

This role offers the opportunity to apply deep GNC expertise to a mission-driven aerospace company that has moved beyond inception and is focused on execution, reliability, and growth. If you're motivated by taking complex systems to the next level and shaping high-impact products at scale, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do:
  • Develop modular and scalable flight control and decision-making algorithms and their simulation framework for Grid's platform.
  • Create control system modules in Simulink and/or C/C++ and help integrate them into the overall system.
  • Evaluate stability and performance characteristics of control systems using simulation and flight test data, by using a CI/CD and automating analyses to the extent possible.
  • Participate in test planning, execution and post-test analysis of aircraft
  • Participate in cross-functional discussions about Grid's product and mentor teams on software standards and best practices.
  • Assist with the integration of computer vision, AI/ML for DAA and mission optimization, and AI-based pre/post-flight assessments.


Who You Are:
  • Mission-Driven: You're passionate about solving big, complex problems through technology and driven by the chance to change industries.
  • Innovator: You thrive on the challenge of working with cutting-edge technologies and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
  • Builder: You enjoy the excitement and impact of working at an early-stage startup where your contributions directly shape the future.
  • Collaborative: You work well with diverse, cross-functional teams and are excited to lead, mentor, and inspire others.


Key Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in Guidance Navigation and Control algorithm development for fixed-wing aircraft
  • Expertise with design, stability analysis, and simulation of PID and total energy-based control systems using MATLAB/Simulink
  • Experience with flight testing of GNC algorithms and decision-making algorithms for DAA strongly preferred
  • Familiarity with sensor calibration and noise characterization methods
  • Familiarity with C/C++ and python
  • Familiarity with adaptive control algorithms and data-driven control algorithms preferred.


Why Join Grid.aero:
  • Mission First: Tackle some of the most important national security issues of the day.
  • Ownership: Receive a significant equity stake and help build the future of Grid.aero.
  • Impact: As one of our first hires, you'll have a direct and visible impact on the success of the company.
  • Innovation: Lead the architecture of a game-changing product that will redefine the air logistics industry.
  • Growth: Work alongside experienced aerospace founders and grow with the company as a key technical leader.


Compensation: $140k -$180k / 0.1-0.3% Equity

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