Senior GNC Engineer - Launch Vehicles

Senior GNC Engineer - Launch Vehicles – Denver, CO

Senior GNC Engineer - Launch Vehicles – Guidance, Navigation & Control Systems for Rockets (Subsonic to Hypersonic Regimes)

Responsibilities

• System Architecture & Design: Lead the conceptual and detailed design of GNC architectures for rocket systems, ensuring integration with propulsion, structures, and avionics
• Regime-Specific GNC Solutions: Develop and validate GNC strategies tailored to subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flight regimes, addressing aerodynamic, aerodynamic, and control challenges
• Algorithm & Control System Development: Design and implement guidance algorithms, navigation filters, and control laws for high-precision trajectory execution
• Simulation & Validation: Coordinate / support the use of CFD, flight dynamics, and control simulations to evaluate performance, stability, and robustness across regimes
• Integration & Trade Studies: Collaborate with systems engineers to integrate GNC with vehicle design, optimizing for mass, power, and cost while meeting mission requirements
• Testing & Certification: Develop and support the execution of test plans for GNC systems, including ground and flight testing, to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards
• Data Analysis & Troubleshooting: Analyze telemetry and performance data to diagnose anomalies and refine GNC performance
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work with software, structural, and propulsion teams to ensure seamless GNC integration and compatibility
• Regulatory & Certification Support: Contribute to certification documentation and compliance with aerospace standards (e.g., FAA Part 450)

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen (or Permanent Resident) is required due to the nature of the work
• BS/MS/PhD in Aerospace or similar degrees from accredited universities
• 10+ years in GNC architecture, with proven design and integration experience across subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flight regimes.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in guidance systems, control theory, navigation algorithms, flight dynamics, CFD, CFD tools
• Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of rocket aerodynamics, propulsion integration, and hypersonic flight dynamics. Demonstrated expertise in compressible air flow dynamics, aeroelasticity, and simulation
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong mathematical and analytical skills for system-level trade studies and optimization.
• Project Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading GNC architecture teams, managing schedules, and delivering on-time, on-budget designs.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrated experience with customer interaction including verbal and written communication & coordination of deep technical detail.
• Travel required for this position. Based in Denver CO, occasional travel as needed.