GNC Engineer: HWIL (Hardware-In-The-Loop) Huntsville, AL
Job Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) / Trajectory Engineer to join our aerospace engineering team. In this role, you will design, analyze, and optimize vehicle trajectories, ensuring mission success through precise modeling, simulation, and performance assessment. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support flight test events, system validation, and mission planning.
Key Responsibilities - Develop and refine GNC algorithms for aerospace vehicles, including launch, re-entry, and intercept missions.
- Perform trajectory design, optimization, and simulation using industry-standard tools (e.g., POST2, MATLAB/Simulink, STK).
- Conduct Monte Carlo analyses and sensitivity studies to assess system robustness.
- Integrate GNC solutions into hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) and software-in-the-loop (SWIL) environments.
- Support flight test planning, pre-flight predictions, and post-flight data analysis.
- Collaborate with systems engineering, propulsion, and avionics teams to ensure mission requirements are met.
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).
- 3+ years of experience in GNC and trajectory analysis for aerospace applications.
- Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and trajectory simulation tools (e.g., POST2, TAOS, QuickShot).
- 3+ years of experience with GNC integration and testing in a Hardware in the Loop environment.
- Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, flight dynamics, and control theory.
- Active DoD Secret Clearance
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with missile defense, launch vehicles, or space systems.
- Familiarity with MDA flight test environments and mission planning.
- Knowledge of Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, and state estimation techniques.
- Conduct HWIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) or RTCL (Real-Time Closed Loop) testing to create a closed-loop system that realistically tests control algorithms.
- Detect and address potential issues early, such as:
- Hardware imperfections
- Sensor noise
- Timing issues
- Bridge the gap between pure software simulation and real-world space/flight conditions.
How You Will Be Rewarded The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $160,000.00 per year. We offer a comprehensive total rewards approach to compensation, providing incentives and benefits that extend far beyond the base salary. Compensation is determined by the candidate's work experience, education, training, and relevant skills. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' health, well-being, and professional growth.
Location: Huntsville, AL
