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Firestorm · 21 hours ago

GNC Engineer

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$112K/yr - $163K/yr

3+ years exp

Firestorm is a company revolutionizing defense solutions through innovative technologies. They are seeking a GNC Engineer to design, implement, and validate flight-control algorithms for autonomous aerial systems, ensuring high-performance capabilities in real-world scenarios.

AerospaceArtificial Intelligence (AI)Drones

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Define control-system architecture and requirements for fixed-wing and autonomous aircraft, including primary flight control, energy management, and mode logic

Design and implement control and estimation algorithms that account for actuator limits, sensor noise, timing, and real-world system constraints

Model dynamical systems, develop accurate plant models, and validate them using flight-test data and simulation environments

Lead system identification and aerodynamic model refinement based on real flight data

Develop robust, fault-tolerant, and graceful-degradation control strategies for reliable autonomous operation

Use simulation, SIL and HIL testing, Monte Carlo analysis, and system-performance tools to verify and validate flight-control and estimation software

Design and execute flight-test plans, analyze telemetry and logs, tune controllers, and rapidly iterate based on real-world performance

Integrate navigation and estimator outputs, including GPS-denied or alternative navigation solutions, into control architectures

Collaborate closely with autonomy, avionics, embedded software, and flight-test teams to ensure seamless full-system performance

Participate in system design reviews, safety assessments, and documentation to support high-integrity engineering practices

Troubleshoot and resolve issues across simulation, ground testing, and flight operations

Contribute to technical standards, code reviews, and continuous improvement in controls and GNC development processes

Stay current with advances in controls, GNC, robotics, and autonomous systems and apply new techniques where beneficial

Take ownership from concept through deployment in a startup environment where speed, rigor, flight testing, and accountability matter

Qualification

GNC developmentControl systems designFlight control algorithmsSimulationModelingC++PythonMATLABOctaveClassical control theorySystem validationCommunicationTeam collaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

3+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle GNC development, simulation, & applied controls

Experience building and tuning control systems for robotics, autonomy, or flight vehicles

Proficiency in C++, Python, and MATLAB or Octave

Strong foundation in classical and modern control theory

Experience with system modeling and test-based validation

Ability to evaluate flight data, debug issues, and communicate findings across teams

Excellent communication and documentation skills

U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations

Preferred

Masters degree or Ph.D in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

5+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle GNC development, simulation, & applied controls

High proficiency in C or C++, Python, and MATLAB or Simulink or Octave

Experience with estimator development such as EKF, UKF, or complementary filters

Experience with GPS-denied or alternate navigation technologies

Hands-on development on PX4 or ArduPilot or ArduPlane platforms

Experience running flight-test campaigns and tuning flight controllers

Experience flying RC fixed-wing aircraft

Ability to clearly communicate control-system concepts to engineers outside your discipline

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals

Equity grants for new hires

Unlimited PTO

Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.

Generous Parental Leave

Lifestyle Spending Account

FSA

DCFSA

HSA

Hospital Indemnity insurance

Critical Illness insurance

Accident insurance

Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.

Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.