Sr Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer

Do you have an eye for detail and a passion for developing innovation solutions? Join our team! As a Senior Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) Engineer, you will serve as a technical authority in the design, development, and testing of cutting-edge GN&C systems. You will oversee multiple projects, drive innovation, and mentor engineering teams to ensure the success of aerospace systems.The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide technical leadership for the design, development, and integration of GN&C algorithms and flight control software.
• Develop Simulink models to support flight controls development, vehicle dynamics, and linear/non‑linear simulation analysis.
• Lead and coordinate multi‑disciplinary engineering teams throughout the lifecycle of air vehicle development.
• Architect inner‑ and outer‑loop control laws and create advanced control algorithms for both crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
• Oversee end‑to‑end simulation campaigns, validation testing, and Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) test activities.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in design reviews, program milestones, and technical discussions with leadership and customers.
• Develop and implement GN&C best practices, standards, and processes across the engineering organization.
• Generate clear, comprehensive reports documenting simulation results, test outcomes, trade studies, and alternatives analyses.
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and industry partners to drive collaboration and technical excellence.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, optimization, and continuous improvement across algorithms, models, and workflows.

Must‑Have Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Typically 10+ years of relevant GN&C, flight controls, simulation, or aerospace engineering experience. Higher‑level degrees may substitute for experience.
• Deep understanding of engineering fundamentals, vehicle dynamics, stability, and control systems.
• Advanced experience with Computer‑Aided Engineering tools, analysis, and simulation environments.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink for model development, control law design, and simulation analysis.
• Experience working within multi‑disciplinary design and development teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with system modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, STK, or FreeFlyer.
• Background designing flight control laws for unmanned or optionally piloted aircraft systems.
• Knowledge of MIL‑STD‑1797B (Flying Qualities of Piloted Aircraft).
• Experience performing HIL testing of integrated flight control systems.
• Prior support of aircraft flight testing or vehicle performance evaluations.
• Experience with aerospace vehicles, sensor suites, actuation systems, and mission‑level GN&C.
• Familiarity with model‑based definition, parametric design, and orbital or flight mechanics.
• Demonstrated success leading baseline definition, integrated trade studies, and maturation of complex systems.
• Professional background in the Aerospace & Defense industry.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• 3 weeks paid time off, flex‑time options, and development opportunities
• Leadership training, mentorship programs, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive company events and a supportive team culture
• Modern, collaborative campus environments (location specific)
  • On‑site fitness centers
  • State‑of‑the‑art coffee bars
  • Full‑service cafeterias with planned breakfast and lunch
  • Access to scenic walking and biking trails

Essential Functions

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
• Work in an office or hybrid environment depending on program needs.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $143,487.14 - $197,294.82. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination.  Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.