AeroVironment

GNC Engineer II 

AeroVironment$82K — $125K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Up to 2 years of GN&C development, simulation, flight testing, or systems engineering experience.
  • Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink and C++ for engineering analysis and algorithm development.
  • Knowledge of classical and modern control techniques and trajectory design.
  • Experience with Git for version control and collaboration.
  • Basic understanding of hardware/software integration for air vehicles.
  • Hands-on attitude with strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

  • Designs, develops, and validates flight control systems and algorithms.
  • Analyzes vehicle dynamics using linear and covariance analysis.
  • Models and simulates flight control logic using MATLAB and C++.
  • Conducts hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop testing.
  • Implements flight control algorithms on system hardware.
  • Maintains version control using Git.
  • Ensures integration of flight control systems with avionics and sensors.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401K with company matching.
  • 9/80 work schedule.
  • Paid holiday shutdown.
Full Job Description

Worker Type

Regular


Job Description

Summary

The GNC Engineer II ensures engineering needs are met and assists in the planning, design, and integration of guidance, navigation, and control components into systems. This role encompasses a multidisciplinary background focusing on GN&C, simulation, flight testing, and flight software integration. This role assists in the development of technical proposals and project estimates, supports technical conflicts to resolution, and ensures the engineering needs of assigned product development projects are met.

Position Responsibilities

  • Supports the design, development, and validation of flight control systems and algorithms for current and new products.
  • Performs linear analysis, covariance analysis, and applies classical and modern control techniques to vehicle dynamics.
  • Utilizes MATLAB and C++ to model, simulate, and implement flight control and navigation logic.
  • Supports system interfaces, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing, and flight test activities.
  • Supports the implementation and deployment of designed flight control algorithms onto flight control system hardware.
  • Maintains software configuration management and version control utilizing Git.
  • Ensures proper integration and validation of the flight control system together with avionics and sensor suites.
  • Works on problems of limited scope, following standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or flight telemetry data.
  • Normally receives detailed instructions on all work under general supervision and mentorship.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Up to 2 years of combined experience in GN&C development, simulation modeling, flight testing, or systems engineering.
  • Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink and C++ for engineering analysis, algorithm development, and simulation.
  • Working knowledge of classical and modern control techniques, linear analysis, trajectory design, and covariance analysis.
  • Experience utilizing Git for version control and software collaboration.
  • Basic knowledge of hardware/software integration and development for manned or unmanned air vehicles (e.g., Autopilot systems, IMU/sensor integration, ground control communications, and vehicle subsystems I&T).
  • Demonstrated hands-on attitude with strong development and problem-solving experience.
  • Travel within the continental U.S. is required to support flight test operations (up to 20%).

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

  • Familiar with office software, computer-based productivity tools, and standard engineering simulation/design workflows.
  • Familiarity with Kalman filtering, sensor fusion (IMU, GPS, magnetometer), and navigation state estimation.
  • Demonstrates strong communication (verbal & written), presentation, and technical documentation skills.
  • Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small multidisciplinary teams share a broad variety of duties.
  • Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish technical goals and meet project objectives.
  • Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
  • Committed to learning from mistakes and driven to continuous technical growth.
  • Demonstrates effective analytical and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.

Physical Demands

  • Ability to work in an office and R&D/lab environment (Constant).
  • Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and laboratory equipment (Frequent).


      Clearance Level

      No Clearance

      The salary range for this role is:

      $82,000 - $125,000

      AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

      ITAR Requirement:

      This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

      Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  .

      Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

      ITAR

      U.S. Citizenship required

      About AeroVironment

      Size
      1,214 employees
      Market Cap
      $2 billion
      Industry
      Net Income
      $29.8 million
      Founded
      1971
      5 Year Trend
      +13.8%
      Revenue
      $394.1 million
      NASDAQ

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