GNC Engineer

LTA Research • Sunnyvale, CA

21h • $100,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Passionate about aerospace innovation? LTA is hiring a GNC Engineer to join our mission of building the next generation of airships. We move fast, prototype even faster, and believe that the best way to learn is by doing. You’ll be a core part of a dynamic team that owns the dynamics and controls modeling for experimental vehicles as well as the subscale model flight program. If you’re a "build a little, test a little" type of engineer who wants to see their work take flight, we want to hear from you.

Requirements

• Education: BS or higher in Aerospace, Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering with a specialized focus on dynamics and controls.
• Experience: 2–6 years of experience in a GNC or flight controls role.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in MATLAB & Simulink for control system design.
• Proven experience implementing simulations based on rigid-body flight dynamics and physics, ideally with experience in HIL implementation.
• Solid grasp of linear and nonlinear control theories.
• Soft Skills: A proactive "self-starter" mindset with strong mathematical fundamentals and v

Nice To Haves

• Programming: Proficiency in C and Python, specifically for embedded systems and time-critical applications.
• Advanced Control: Experience with state estimation (Kalman filtering) and MATLAB Embedded Coder. Experience with Monte Carlo simulation.
• Specialized Dynamics: Familiarity with the unique dynamics of airships, buoyant bodies, or submarines.
• Modern Tech: Exposure to Machine Learning applications within aerospace or robotics.
• Testing: Background in aerospace test engineering or working within multidisciplinary/international teams.

Responsibilities

• Flight Control Systems: Design, develop, and verify flight-control algorithms and software for fly-by-wire "lighter than air" vehicles.
• Modeling & Simulation: Develop linear and non-linear vehicle dynamics and environmental models to ensure flight performance requirements are met.
• System Integration: Integrate complex models into Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation environments.
• Analysis: Build performance and stability analysis tools to validate controller robustness.
• Flight Testing: Analyze flight test data and provide on-site support for both subscale models and full-scale experimental vehicle testing.
• Cross-Functional Innovation: Utilize a diverse tool set—including robotic arms, drones, and HIL rigs—to solve unique testing challenges.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level