Approach Venture · 19 hours ago
GNC Engineer
El Segundo, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$120K/yr - $180K/yrApproach Venture is an innovative startup focused on revolutionizing space-based missile defense systems. As a GNC Engineer, you will develop guidance, navigation, and control architecture for advanced interceptors, ensuring they accurately reach their targets.
Management Consulting
Hiring Manager
Torey Bell
Responsibilities
Create and implement guidance algorithms for high-speed, non-linear dynamics in midcourse and terminal homing scenarios
Develop and fine-tune control loops for aerodynamic surfaces and actuators like thrust vectoring
Implement robust control strategies for high-rate, high-G maneuvers
Construct intercept prediction algorithms utilizing tracking data and state estimation
Model actuator bandwidth, latency, saturation, and uncertainties
Design advanced prediction and filtering systems that withstand noise and thermal effects
Develop and maintain comprehensive 6DOF simulations of interceptor dynamics
Conduct hardware-in-the-loop testing with real sensors and scene generators
Collaborate with engineers across sensing, propulsion, and embedded systems to build a reliable real-time GNC pipeline
Qualification
Required
B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Controls, or related fields
Profound knowledge of classical and modern control theory
Experience in creating 6DOF flight simulations using tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or C++
Strong understanding of state estimation, nonlinear dynamics, and guidance algorithms
Proven experience in tuning controllers for UAVs, rockets, missiles, or autonomous systems
Preferred
Background in high-speed interceptors, hypersonics, or missile guidance
Familiarity with aerodynamics, actuator modeling, or impulse-based control systems
Experience with optimal control strategies like MPC, LQR, or differential games
Proficiency with embedded real-time systems, RTOS, or high-rate control loops
Ability to integrate perception (IR/EO, CV algorithms) into closed-loop guidance
Experience with MIL-STD flight hardware, environmental testing, or flight qualification
Benefits
Employer covers 100% of your benefits
Early-stage equity in a pioneering space defense startup
Opportunity for full product ownership over propulsion systems
Founding engineering role with significant influence
Engage in impactful work at the intersection of space and national security
Collaborate with a team led by a technical founder with experience at leading aerospace companies
Be part of a mission-critical effort to protect millions
Company
Approach Venture
Enabling founding teams building the future of frontier technology to achieve their full potential.
Founded in 2021
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Bryce Dabbs
Founder & CEO
Tristan Cembrinski
Partner
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