Senior Flight Software / GNC Engineer

Arxlight

$90K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering focused on Controls and 5-10 years of experience.
  • Expertise in control theory, including MIMO/SISO systems and Lyapunov stability concepts.
  • Proficient in Python or MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and C++ for implementing flight software.
  • Strong mathematical background, particularly in linear algebra and orbital mechanics.
  • Experience with simulation tools like JSBSim and Gazebo is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Develop 6-DOF simulations to predict vehicle behavior through flight dynamics modeling.
  • Design and analyze flight control laws using classical and modern techniques.
  • Implement sensor fusion algorithms for accurate state estimation using IMU and GPS data.
  • Create trajectory generation and planning logic for autonomous missions.
  • Conduct performance analysis through Monte Carlo simulations and stability assessments.
  • Support hardware integration for flight control software with onboard sensors.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge flight tech and autonomous systems.
  • Collaborative team environment encouraging innovation and idea sharing.
  • Career development opportunities with mentorship and training programs.
  • Flexible work hours and potential for remote work arrangements.
Full Job Description
Key Responsibilities
  • Flight Dynamics Modeling: Develop high-fidelity 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) simulations to predict vehicle behavior.
  • Control Law Design: Design, tune, and analyze flight control laws using both Classical (PID, Root Locus, Bode) and Modern (LQR/LQG, H-infinity, State-Space) techniques.
  • Navigation & Estimation: Implement sensor fusion algorithms (e.g., Extended Kalman Filters) to provide accurate state estimates from IMU, GPS, and star tracker data.
  • Guidance Algorithms: Develop trajectory generation and path-planning logic for autonomous mission phases.
  • Performance Analysis: Conduct Monte Carlo simulations and Linear Stability Analysis (Gain/Phase margins) to ensure system robustness.
  • Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL): Support the integration of GNC software with flight hardware and sensors.


Required Qualifications
  • Education: Master's or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (with a focus on Controls) and 5-10 YOE
  • Control Theory Mastery: Deep understanding of MIMO/SISO systems, frequency domain analysis, and Lyapunov stability.
  • Programming: Proficiency in Python or MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and C++ for flight software implementation.
  • Mathematics: Strong foundation in linear algebra, coordinate transformations (Quaternions, Euler angles), and orbital mechanics or aerodynamics.


Preferred Skills
  • Experience with simulation tools (JSBSim, Gazebo, etc)
  • Hands on experience with open-source autopilot
  • Experience with radar and rocket systems
  • Understanding of rocket GNC, aerodynamics, flight dynamics and controls

Understanding of computer vision, perception, filtering, and estimation

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