GNC/ Simulation Engineer

Description:

Delta Black Aerospace is seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) and Simulation Engineer to own the navigation and autonomy architecture of the RAIDER 330 UAS. This is a high-impact, highly technical role responsible for developing GNC algorithms, building high-fidelity vehicle simulation environments, and validating navigation performance across the full mission envelope — including GPS-denied and electromagnetically contested environments. You will bridge the world of mathematical modeling and real hardware, working tightly with the integration and flight test teams to tune, validate, and field navigation solutions that perform when it matters most. Proficiency with Simulink is required; experience with Applied Navigation’s Quattro FMS and Vigilant Spirit is strongly preferred.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

» Develop, implement, and tune GNC algorithms for the RAIDER 330 across VTOL, transition, cruise, and E-STOL flight regimes

» Build and maintain a high-fidelity 6-DOF simulation environment in MATLAB/Simulink, including aerodynamic models, hybrid-electric propulsion dynamics, actuator models, and sensor noise models

» Design and validate navigation filter architectures including Extended Kalman Filters (EKF), Unscented Kalman Filters (UKF), or factor graph-based estimators for multi-sensor fusion

» Integrate and evaluate navigation sensors including IMU, GPS/GNSS, barometric altimeter, optical flow, and radar altimeter into a cohesive navigation solution

» Develop GPS-denied and GNSS-degraded navigation capabilities leveraging sensor fusion, dead reckoning, ter-rain-aided navigation, or visual-inertial odometry

» Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test campaigns to validate GNC performance against simulation predictions

» Configure and integrate INS/GPS systems, including interface definition, initialization procedures, and in-flight calibration routines

» Support Ground Control Station (GCS) integration including data link configuration, GCS-to-aircraft command/control interface, and mission planning workflows

» Perform Monte Carlo analysis, trajectory optimization, and performance sensitivity studies to bound navigation accuracy across environmental conditions

» Collaborate with flight test engineers to design GNC-specific test cards, analyze flight data, and close the loop between simulation predictions and measured flight results

» Maintain GNC documentation including algorithm design documents, simulation validation reports, and navigation performance specifications

» Support autopilot tuning and flight control law refinement for all RAIDER 330 flight modes.

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

» Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related discipline; Master’s degree preferred

» 3+ years of GNC engineering experience on aerospace, defense, or UAS platforms

» Expert-level proficiency in MATLAB and Simulink, including model-based design and code generation workflows

» Strong foundation in estimation theory, multi-sensor data fusion, and inertial navigation fundamentals

» Demonstrated experience developing and validating navigation filters (EKF, UKF, or equivalent) in simulation and on hardware

» Familiarity with 6-DOF rigid body dynamics, flight mechanics, and aerodynamic modeling

» Experience with GPS-denied or GNSS-degraded navigation techniques

» Strong analytical and debugging skills — comfortable tracing navigation errors from sensor input through algorithm output to flight behavior

» Proficiency in Python and/or C/C++ for embedded GNC implementation and data analysis

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

» Hands-on experience with Applied Navigation hardware and software integration on airborne platforms

» Operational or integration experience with Vigilant Spirit including mission planning, payload control, and C2 link configuration

» Experience with contested/denied/degraded navigation environments and electronic warfare considerations for UAS

» Background with trajectory optimization tools or real-time path planning algorithms

» Experience with ROS or similar middleware for sensor integration and GNC prototyping

» Knowledge of relevant navigation standards such as STANAG 4671, ARP4754A, or DO-316

» Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance

» Prior experience supporting GNC for DoD acquisition programs, OTAs, or SBIR/STTR efforts

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Active Secret clearance required; Top Secret/SCI strongly preferred given the contested-environment and GPS-denied nature of RAIDER 330 mission sets. U.S. Citizenship required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

» Competitive base salary commensurate with experience; equity participation available

» Full medical, dental, and vision benefits

» 401(k) with company contribution

» Opportunity for rapid career advancement in a high-growth defense technology company

» Direct collaboration with former Warfighters and senior UAS industry experts

» Travel to test sites and partner facilities as required to support simulation validation and flight test campaigns