Job Title: Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) EngineerJob Description
This role focuses on the design, development, and verification of advanced guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems for aerospace applications. The GNC Engineer develops autopilot and control algorithms, performs target state estimation and sensor fusion, and builds high-fidelity simulations to support system design and testing. The position supports both laboratory and field test activities and involves close collaboration with internal engineering teams and U.S. Department of Defense customers in secure environments.
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and analyze guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for advanced aerospace systems.
Develop autopilot and control laws for dynamic systems, including tuning and validation of control performance.
Perform target state estimation, filtering, and sensor fusion to support accurate guidance and navigation solutions.
Develop, maintain, and improve simulations and models, including state-space and 6-DOF models, to support system design and verification.
Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and system-level testing to validate GNC performance.
Assist with field testing and customer-supported test activities, including work with U.S. Department of Defense customers in secure environments.
Collaborate closely with systems, software, and test engineering teams to integrate GNC algorithms into real-time embedded control systems.
Contribute to flight dynamics modeling and sensor modeling to improve system accuracy and robustness.
Interact with hardware in laboratory and office environments to support integration, troubleshooting, and performance evaluation.
Help drive the development of in-house simulation capabilities and directly influence the technical direction of GNC solutions.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
5+ years of experience in guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) engineering.
Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink for control system design, simulation, and analysis.
Experience with Python and C++ for algorithm development and implementation.
Strong background in control system design, including state-space methods and PID control.
Experience with 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) simulation, control, and estimation.
Experience with real-time embedded control systems and integrating GNC algorithms into embedded platforms.
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing.
Experience with flight dynamics modeling and sensor modeling for aerospace applications.
Familiarity with sensor fusion techniques and guidance optimization.
Familiarity with missile, UAV, or aerospace vehicle systems.
Experience supporting test activities with U.S. Department of Defense customers.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills in a simulation and test environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline is a plus.
Experience with FPGA-based implementations or interaction with FPGA-controlled systems.
background in mechanical design related to aerospace systems is beneficial.
Experience with advanced filters and state estimation techniques beyond basic implementations.
Experience with control tuning and optimization for complex dynamic systems.
Aerospace industry experience, particularly in small, fast-paced organizations.
Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams and communicate complex technical concepts clearly.
Work Environment
This position is based in Huntsville, Alabama, in an office building located in a research park environment. The work model is hybrid: you work on-site Monday through Wednesday for approximately nine hours per day, and you work from home on Thursday and for four hours on Friday. The office features dedicated office spaces rather than cubicles and includes access to hardware that you will interact with for testing and integration. You will work in both laboratory and office settings and may support field tests as needed. The culture emphasizes close collaboration with other engineering disciplines, direct ownership of in-house simulation development, and meaningful impact on the growth of the business. Work includes interaction with secure environments and coordination with U.S. Department of Defense customers.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Huntsville, AL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $150000.00/yr.
Company Benefits direct benefits medical, dental, etc. pto & holidays
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Huntsville,AL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
