Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer to support the development and prototyping of a hypersonic next generation fully autonomous reusable spaceplane in Seal Beach, CA. The GNC Engineer will Design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic/airborne platforms. This position is onsite in Seal Beach, CA and requires an active TS/SCI Clearance.

Responsibilities of the GNC Engineer:

• 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.

Qualifications for GNC Engineer:

• 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 5+ years of related work experience (Ex. PhD, Master's + 3 or more years' related work experience)
• Engineering experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platform or similar vehicles
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink
• Proficiency developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations
• Experience developing with C/C++, Python or C#.
• Active Tier 5 (T5) Clearance, formerly known as Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is Preferred

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in aerospace/aeronautical engineering (BS/MS/PhD)
• 10+ years related technical experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 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.

Compensation for the GNC Engineer includes:

• Salary: $120,000-160,000+ depending on experience
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, and Paid Holidays

#LI-KD1 #LI-ONSITE

Keywords: Aerospace, aviation, space, GNC, guidance, navigation, Matlab, Simulink, C, C++, aerodynamics, systems engineering, avionics, test, algorithms, simulations, models, Python, hypersonic, Kalman filters, GPS/INS, flight test, TS/SCI, California, Los Angeles,