Senior GNC Engineer
Firestorm
Other Engineering
San Diego, CA, USA
USD 140k-180k / year
Posted on Jun 17, 2025
Senior GNC Engineer
San Diego, CA
Engineering
In office
Full-time
Who We Are
At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.” As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.
About the Role
Firestorm Labs is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) Engineer to join our high-performing team. You’ll be responsible for designing, analyzing, and building advanced flight control software for Group 1 - Group 4 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), with a focus on real-time autonomy, multi-sensor integration, and embedded system performance. This role spans the full development lifecycle – from simulation and control algorithm design to software deployment and flight test validation. If you’re excited by the challenge of building next-generation autonomous aircraft in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment, we want to hear from you.
What You’ll Do
- Design, analyze, and implement flight control and estimation algorithms for autonomous aircraft
- Develop and maintain the flight software stack, including guidance, navigation, control, and real-time systems integration
- Develop modeling and simulation capabilities that capture appropriate data during testing so that models can be updated and validated
- Analyze test data captured from control systems, subsystems, and other test instrumentation to verify vehicle performance, evaluate GNC algorithm and controller behavior, or debug incidents
- Drive light-weight root cause analyses for vehicle anomalies or incidents that are tied to GNC responsibilities
- Build and deploy GNC software components for flight testing and production environments
- Model dynamic systems and perform control system analysis to assess stability, performance, and robustness
- Implement terminal guidance logic using vision-based or multi-sensor inputs
- Design ground tests to verify control system behavior and new features
- Participate in live flight testing to evaluate estimation and control system behavior
- Support aircraft integration and end-to-end flight testing
- Collaborate with perception, avionics, and hardware teams to integrate control software with onboard sensors and payload systems
- Contribute to system safety and fault handling logic
- Conduct peer reviews and communicate technical insights clearly across disciplines
- Communicate complex technical concepts to audiences outside your core domain, including cross functional teams.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or similar discipline
- 5+ years of experience in control systems, dynamics, or robotics; or a Ph.D. in a related field
- Extensive experience with development of high assurance safety critical GNC software, including cascading controls, adaptive controls, and transfer functions
- Systems programming skills including algorithms, data structures, concurrency and optimization
- Proficient in C++, Python, and MATLAB/Octave with strong understanding of real-time and embedded system constraints
- Deep knowledge of estimation theory and classical/modern control design methods
- Experience generating embedded software for flight systems and conducting simulation-based validation
- Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing and implementing flight control software for Group 1–4 UAS
- Flight test or RC aircraft experience with a focus on fixed-wing platforms
- Familiarity with autopilot systems such as PX4 or ArduPlane
- Background in alternative or GPS-denied navigation systems (e.g., vision or inertial navigation)
- Hands-on experience tuning estimators and designing test-based control solutions
- Experience working with multi-sensor fusion for navigation and guidance (IMU, GPS, cameras, LIDAR, etc.)
- Proficiency in agile development workflows and collaborative software environments
- Comfortable contributing to design reviews and working in iterative, cross-functional development teams
Work Environment
- Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
- We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating. Relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
Compensation
US Salary Range: $140,000 - $180,000 USD
The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.
Benefits & Perks
Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:
- We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
- Unlimited PTO
- Generous Parental Leave
- FSA
- HSA
- Hospital Indemnity insurance
- Critical Illness insurance
- Accident insurance
- Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
- Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.
ITAR Compliance
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.
Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.
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Req ID: R38