Gnc Engineer

Senior / Staff Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer- Relocation package is available!

Job Description

This role focuses on the design, development, verification, and testing of hypersonic flight control systems for reusable Mach 5+ platforms. As a Senior or Staff GNC Engineer, you will lead hands-on algorithm development, modeling, simulation, and flight test support, working with real hypersonic vehicles and real flight data. You will evaluate a broad range of technical data, contribute to system-level decisions, and play a key role in programs that have a direct impact on national security.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate advanced algorithms to meet Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) requirements for hypersonic vehicles.
• Create and refine hypersonic plant modeling and analysis tools to support system design and performance assessment.
• Author clear and comprehensive Algorithm Description Documents (ADDs) to document GNC designs and implementations.
• Perform detailed analyses to verify that algorithm designs satisfy system and mission requirements.
• Contribute to the overall flight control system design, including development, implementation, integration, and test activities.
• Develop engineering tools and utilities, as needed, to efficiently complete assigned GNC and simulation tasks.
• Integrate GNC algorithms with simulation environments, software frameworks, and vehicle management systems.
• Collaborate closely with Vehicle Management System and GNC leads, providing regular and comprehensive technical updates.
• Support flight test planning, execution, and post-flight analysis for hypersonic platforms.
• Evaluate and interpret a broad range of technical data related to flight dynamics, control performance, and system behavior.
• Communicate technical challenges, trade-offs, and recommendations to varied audiences, explaining rationale and addressing concerns.
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and consistent fulfillment of commitments in all aspects of the work.
• Take initiative to prioritize tasks in alignment with program and business goals, adapting quickly to changing priorities.
• Travel as needed to support departmental activities, integration efforts, and flight test campaigns.
• Operate company vehicles when required as part of assigned engineering duties.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to perform combinations of the listed GNC engineering responsibilities.
• Fundamental knowledge and understanding of flight dynamics and vehicle dynamics.
• Experience with Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithm development.
• Proficiency with dynamics, integration, simulation, and requirements analysis.
• Hands-on experience with MATLAB and Simulink for modeling, simulation, and algorithm development.
• Experience with navigation systems and modeling for aerospace applications.
• Ability to take initiative and effectively prioritize tasking to align with business and program objectives.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced engineering environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to document designs and communicate technical topics.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Aircraft, missile, and/or launch vehicle development experience.
• Experience with guidance algorithm synthesis, implementation, and analysis.
• Experience with control and autopilot design and analysis for aerospace vehicles.
• Experience with navigation algorithm synthesis, implementation, and analysis.
• Dynamic system modeling experience for fixed-wing, missile, and/or hypersonic vehicles.
• Experience with flight control algorithm requirements development, design, implementation, integration, test, and post-flight analysis.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical challenges and provide guidance to varied audiences, including non-specialists.
• Experience with software development processes and methodologies.
• Proficiency with software development tools and languages such as Git, C/C++, and Python.
• Advanced degree with a technical focus in GNC-relevant areas (such as guidance, control, dynamics, or related fields).
• Existing TS/SCI security clearance.
• Interest in or aptitude for future leadership opportunities in GNC engineering and simulation or flight test-focused roles.

Work Environment

This position is based in a hands-on, on-site engineering environment with a mix of office and laboratory work. You will work directly with hypersonic flight hardware, simulation tools, and test infrastructure, supporting real flight vehicles rather than purely conceptual studies. The role offers a 9/80 work schedule, providing regular extended weekends. The organization provides comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage, along with paid maternity and parental leave. Retirement savings are supported through a 401(k) plan with a company match, and professional growth is encouraged through tuition reimbursement. Some travel is required to support integration activities and flight tests, and certain duties may involve operating company vehicles as part of day-to-day responsibilities.

This is a Permanent position based out of Mojave, CA.

The pay range for this position is $101000.00 - $206000.00/yr.

9/80 scheduleHealthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)Paid Maternity and Parental Leave50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500Tuition reimbursementThis position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

This is a fully onsite position in Mojave,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 13, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.