Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer III

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

The GNC Engineer III assists in development and deployment of GNC solutions on AV products. This role encompasses a multi-disciplinary background to include GNC, flight testing, simulation, and sensor modeling / testing.

This role develops and implements control laws for fixed wing, multi-rotor, and rotary-wing air vehicles.

Position Responsibilities

• Supports the design, development and validation of the flight control system for current and new products.
• Supports system interfaces, test and flight test activities from subscale to full scale.
• Implements designed flight control algorithms on to the aircraft flight control system hardware.
• Prepares and executes the validation of the flight control system including analysis (SIL / HIL / iron bird).
• Ensures proper integration and validation of the flight control system together with the avionic system.
• Supports the test team as required to explore and validate technical solutions.
• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
• Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Development of simulations of varying complexity for analysis and testing.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) :

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related engineering discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 5+ years of combined experience in aircraft design and / or project management, GNC, flight testing, systems engineering and program management.
• Demonstrated hands-on attitude with a broad range of development experience.
• Has good knowledge of engineering disciplines and prior experience in the development of any of these systems for manned or unmanned air vehicles : Autopilot hardware and software;
• Flight control hardware and software; Part 23 & part 27 aircraft certification; Ground control communications hardware and software;

Ground control support equipment; Air vehicle subsystems integration & test.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies :

• Advanced degree is preferred.
• Familiar with office software and computer-based productivity tools.
• Demonstrated competence in engineering processes and design tools.
• Knowledge of appropriate design and simulation tools and validation techniques.
• Demonstrates strong communication (verbal & written), presentation and collaboration skills.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.
• Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills with the ability to work well across disciplines.

Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and R&D environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and keyboard (Frequent)
• Travel : 10-25% travel is expected to support meetings and test events.
• AV Work Locations : Huntsville, AL

The salary range for this role is :

$136,807 - $194,040

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education / training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement :

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.

Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years.

Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.

Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required