GNC Engineer

About the role

This role is the hands-on technical authority for flight dynamics and avionics on advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms. You will connect aerodynamics, embedded software, and real flight behavior so the aircraft operate safely, efficiently, and reliably. The work spans modeling and analysis, guidance, navigation and control (GNC) refinement, flight test support, and system integration.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and model UAV flight mechanics, including aerodynamic forces, stability, and control response.
• Evaluate and refine flight performance metrics such as endurance, climb rate, turn capability, and control authority.
• Correlate flight test data with aerodynamic and performance models to validate system behavior and identify discrepancies.
• Support flight envelope expansion, making sure the aircraft operate safely within aerodynamic and structural limits.
• Contribute to defining and verifying performance requirements and mission-level objectives.
• Support flight testing as required.
• Review, document, and tune existing control and navigation algorithms for attitude, position, and mission control.
• Analyze control law performance under various flight conditions and refine parameters for improved stability and response.
• Investigate and explain observed flight behaviors through theoretical and numerical analysis.
• Support estimation and sensor fusion performance assessment (IMU, GPS, air data, magnetometer, and similar sensors).
• Collaborate with software and flight test teams so GNC logic is accurately implemented and documented.
• Owning and continuously advancing a comprehensive understanding of the autopilot and flight control software architecture, including embedded systems, control laws, and aircraft-level integration.
• Interpret and document algorithmic flow and software to hardware interactions.
• Collaborate with embedded engineers on correct integration and calibration of control laws.
• Occasionally implement or prototype algorithm modifications and diagnostic tools using C/C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Interpret electrical wiring diagrams and avionics schematics to understand system interfaces and dependencies.
• Support system integration and troubleshooting for sensors, flight computers, and actuators.
• Participate in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and bench-level testing to validate overall flight system behavior.
• Produce and maintain detailed technical documentation, including algorithm descriptions, test procedures, and performance reports.
• Contribute to simulation model improvement and data processing workflows.
• Stay current on advances in UAV flight dynamics, GNC theory, and aeronautical system modeling.
• Mentor other engineers on principles of flight mechanics, stability, and control system design.

Requirements

• Guidance, navigation, and control (GNC).
• Flight dynamics.
• Control systems and software control.
• MATLAB and Simulink.
• C, C++, and Python.
• Aerospace experience.
• Communication interfaces: UART, UDP, TCP, and CAN bus.

Work Environment or Schedule

The role is based in Bingen, WA, or with the geographically separated engineering team in Grand Prairie, TX. Candidates selected from the Dallas to Fort Worth area will be expected to travel to Bingen, WA extensively during the first 90 days of employment. The work includes hands-on flight test support and bench-level testing alongside analysis and documentation. Additional Information Time on the job is split roughly as follows: flight dynamics, performance and control analysis 30%, guidance, navigation and control understanding and refinement 30%, software and avionics comprehension 20%, electrical and systems integration 10 percent, and documentation, research and continuous improvement 10%.

Additional Information

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Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Bingen, WA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $147000.00 - $236000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Financial Rewards: Competitive base salary, incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes, retirement savings plan and the ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”)

Work/Life Balance: Paid time off including personal time, holidays and a generous paid parental leave program.

Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high-deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages.

Workplace Type: This is a fully onsite position in Bingen,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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.