GNC Engineer II 

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

Summary

The GNC Engineer II ensures engineering needs are met and assists in the planning, design, and integration of guidance, navigation, and control components into systems. This role encompasses a multidisciplinary background focusing on GN&C, simulation, flight testing, and flight software integration. This role assists in the development of technical proposals and project estimates, supports technical conflicts to resolution, and ensures the engineering needs of assigned product development projects are met.

Position Responsibilities

• Supports the design, development, and validation of flight control systems and algorithms for current and new products.
• Performs linear analysis, covariance analysis, and applies classical and modern control techniques to vehicle dynamics.
• Utilizes MATLAB and C++ to model, simulate, and implement flight control and navigation logic.
• Supports system interfaces, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing, and flight test activities.
• Supports the implementation and deployment of designed flight control algorithms onto flight control system hardware.
• Maintains software configuration management and version control utilizing Git.
• Ensures proper integration and validation of the flight control system together with avionics and sensor suites.
• Works on problems of limited scope, following standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or flight telemetry data.
• Normally receives detailed instructions on all work under general supervision and mentorship.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Up to 2 years of combined experience in GN&C development, simulation modeling, flight testing, or systems engineering.
• Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink and C++ for engineering analysis, algorithm development, and simulation.
• Working knowledge of classical and modern control techniques, linear analysis, trajectory design, and covariance analysis.
• Experience utilizing Git for version control and software collaboration.
• Basic knowledge of hardware/software integration and development for manned or unmanned air vehicles (e.g., Autopilot systems, IMU/sensor integration, ground control communications, and vehicle subsystems I&T).
• Demonstrated hands-on attitude with strong development and problem-solving experience.
• Travel within the continental U.S. is required to support flight test operations (up to 20%).

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Familiar with office software, computer-based productivity tools, and standard engineering simulation/design workflows.
• Familiarity with Kalman filtering, sensor fusion (IMU, GPS, magnetometer), and navigation state estimation.
• Demonstrates strong communication (verbal & written), presentation, and technical documentation skills.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small multidisciplinary teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish technical goals and meet project objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Committed to learning from mistakes and driven to continuous technical growth.
• Demonstrates effective analytical and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and R&D/lab environment (Constant).
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and laboratory equipment (Frequent).

Clearance Level

 

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$82,000 - $125,000

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:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

 

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required