GNC Autopilot Engineer

About the role

Corvid is seeking a talented and motivated Autopilot Engineer to join our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) department in either our Mooresville, NC or Huntsville, AL office.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement autopilot and guidance flight control systems for supersonic and hypersonic flight regimes.
• Owning autopilot subsystem requirements, plans to fulfill those requirements, and developing schedules for design, implementation, and verification phases for various programs.
• Design and analyze MIMO autopilot and guidance law algorithms for flight vehicle stabilization and control.
• Identify and mitigate risks to autopilot subsystems and collaborate with program management on program requirements and schedules.
• Develop, analyze, and integrate MIMO autopilot algorithms for flight vehicle stabilization and control.
• Develop and analyze trajectory optimization and guidance methods.
• Develop, test, and maintain autopilot and guidance algorithms in Corvid's six degree of freedom simulation model.
• Support system-level performance analyses with Monte Carlo simulations using Corvid's HPC environment.
• Coordinate with external organizations for GNC subsystem planning, testing, and collaboration.
• Support development of guided supersonic and hypersonic flight vehicles.
• Develop test plans and conduct ground testing of GNC algorithms in Corvid's GNC laboratories and other facilities.
• Day-to-day informal and formal report generation.
• Support flight testing.

Requirements

• Citizen of the United States and able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance (Active Secret/Top Secret security clearance preferred).
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering (Master's degree or Ph.D. with a GNC focus preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in developing autopilot and guidance laws, particularly using modern control theory methods.
• Proficiency with C++, Python, Linux, and Git version control.
• Solid understanding of rigid body dynamics, IMU sensors, flight computer development, and flight code implementation.
• Demonstrated implementations of all inner-loop autopilot necessities (gain computation and margin analyses, gain scheduling, passive filters).
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear requirements and documentation.

Qualifications

• Experience with high-fidelity, computational modeling and simulation.
• Knowledge of aerospace engineering principles and practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

Skills

• High proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Experience with Linux and Git version control.
• Understanding of rigid body dynamics, IMU sensors, and flight computer development.
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulations and HPC environments.
• Knowledge of modern control theory methods.

Benefits

Corvid offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) via our generous 401(k) Matching.
• Medical Insurance via Blue Cross - including a PPO and High-Deductible offering (with company HSA contribution).
• Paid Time Off (PTO) based on years of industry experience (not tenure).
• Career Development and Continuing Education opportunities.
• Life, long-term, and short-term disability insurance.
• Incentive opportunities to reward strong performance and corporate growth.
• Atractive corporate facilities that include Lake Norman access, outdoor activities (including grills), and more.