Posting/External Job Title
Senior Flight Systems Engineer
Location
Seal Beach, CA 90740 US (Primary)
Remote/Onsite/Hybrid
100% Onsite
Job Type
Full-time
# of Hires Needed
1
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
None
Security Clearance Required
Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance within a reasonable timeframe.
Pay Range (All offers will be based on experience)
$225,000.00 - $300,000.00/yr
Position Introduction/Key Duties
Cimarron is seeking a
Senior Flight Systems Engineer to rapidly prototype, develop, and field novel space and hypersonic capabilities. ESG delivers first-of-kind solutions for customers in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, including the X-37B, the world's first fully autonomous, reusable spaceplane. You will design GN&C algorithms, build high-fidelity simulations, implement and test flight software, and support integration and flight test in both atmospheric and space. Must be able to work 100% onsite in Seal Beach, CA.
Key Duties:- Design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic/airborne platforms.
- Develop and maintain 6-DOF dynamics simulations and associated analysis tools for mission and performance assessment.
- Implement and validate GN&C flight software (MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes) and integrate with testbeds and avionics.
- Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design, novel orbit concepts, and trajectory optimization.
- Apply aerodynamics, atmospheric flight mechanics, and controls knowledge to support the design of re-entry guidance, navigation, and flight control functions
- Develop powered and unpowered guidance laws and autonomy tools for on-orbit and atmospheric operations.
- Support troubleshooting of operational anomalies, functional tests, and service incidents.
- Produce concepts of operations, simulation artifacts, and test procedures to enable rapid iteration from prototype to flight test.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems engineering, avionics, test, and business development) and communicate technical tradeoffs to stakeholders.
- Independently identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and implement reusable tools and automations.
Required/Desired Skills, Experience, and Education
Required Skills, Experience, and Education:- Due to facility security requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for consideration at this time.
- Ability to complete a pre-employment background check and drug screening, which will include, but is not limited to, testing for marijuana use.
- This position requires access to federal facilities. Candidates must possess a valid, unexpired Real ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued identification card at the time of hire. If you are unsure whether your ID is Real ID-compliant, please check for the star symbol in the upper portion of your driver's license or state ID.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance within a reasonable timeframe.
- 20 or more years of related work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience (Ex. PhD, Master's + 3 or more years' related work experience).
- Engineering experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platform or similar vehicles.
- Experience for on-orbit and ground systems operations.
- Knowledge in astrodynamics/astrophysics and Guidance, Navigation, & Controls (GN&C).
- Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink.
- Proficiency developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations.
- Experience developing with C/C++, Python or C#.
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement.
Desired Skills, Experience, and Education:- Degree in aerospace/aeronautical engineering (BS/MS/PhD).
- 10 or more years related technical experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Active Tier 5 (T5) Clearance, formerly known as Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is Preferred.
- Experience with spacecraft operations, space environment effects, or hypersonic re-entry GN&C.
- Familiarity with state estimation and sensor fusion (e.g., Kalman filters), GPS/INS, or air data systems.
- Background in classical and modern control theory and nonlinear control design.
- Model-based development experience and flight test support.
- Prior work on space or hypersonic programs.
- Ability to work effectively in broad, minimally defined design spaces and to communicate technical results clearly.
Resumes should list employment dates in month/year format (e.g., January 2020 - March 2024) for each position to meet customer and contract documentation requirements.
