GNC Engineer

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

6d•$112,000 - $163,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Firestorm, we are building autonomous aerial systems that operate where they are needed most, when they are needed most. Our mission requires speed, ingenuity, and a relentless commitment to engineering excellence. We move fast, test constantly, and deliver capability that performs in the real world, not just in simulation. We are looking for a Controls Engineer who is excited to build, test, and deliver high-performance autonomous flight systems. You will own the design, implementation, and validation of flight-control algorithms for our Unmanned Autonomous Systems, blending deep control-systems expertise with startup-level ownership and hands-on testing. You will architect control solutions, build and refine models and simulations, and drive flight-test workflows from first flight through rapid iteration. This is not a theory-only role. You will see your work fly, assess real-world behavior, tune performance in the loop, and directly influence vehicle capability. You will help define technical standards, contribute to a high-integrity engineering culture, and shape how autonomy is deployed in demanding operational environments. If you want to build systems that matter, own your work end to end, and be part of a team that values bold thinking grounded in rigorous engineering, Firestorm is the place to do it.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
3+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle GNC development, simulation, & applied controls
Experience building and tuning control systems for robotics, autonomy, or flight vehicles
Proficiency in C++, Python, and MATLAB or Octave
Strong foundation in classical and modern control theory
Experience with system modeling and test-based validation
Ability to evaluate flight data, debug issues, and communicate findings across teams
Excellent communication and documentation skills
U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations

Nice To Haves

Masters degree or Ph.D in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle GNC development, simulation, & applied controls
High proficiency in C or C++, Python, and MATLAB or Simulink or Octave
Experience with estimator development such as EKF, UKF, or complementary filters
Experience with GPS-denied or alternate navigation technologies
Hands-on development on PX4 or ArduPilot or ArduPlane platforms
Experience running flight-test campaigns and tuning flight controllers
Experience flying RC fixed-wing aircraft
Ability to clearly communicate control-system concepts to engineers outside your discipline

Responsibilities

Define control-system architecture and requirements for fixed-wing and autonomous aircraft, including primary flight control, energy management, and mode logic
Design and implement control and estimation algorithms that account for actuator limits, sensor noise, timing, and real-world system constraints
Model dynamical systems, develop accurate plant models, and validate them using flight-test data and simulation environments
Lead system identification and aerodynamic model refinement based on real flight data
Develop robust, fault-tolerant, and graceful-degradation control strategies for reliable autonomous operation
Use simulation, SIL and HIL testing, Monte Carlo analysis, and system-performance tools to verify and validate flight-control and estimation software
Design and execute flight-test plans, analyze telemetry and logs, tune controllers, and rapidly iterate based on real-world performance
Integrate navigation and estimator outputs, including GPS-denied or alternative navigation solutions, into control architectures
Collaborate closely with autonomy, avionics, embedded software, and flight-test teams to ensure seamless full-system performance
Participate in system design reviews, safety assessments, and documentation to support high-integrity engineering practices
Troubleshoot and resolve issues across simulation, ground testing, and flight operations
Contribute to technical standards, code reviews, and continuous improvement in controls and GNC development processes
Stay current with advances in controls, GNC, robotics, and autonomous systems and apply new techniques where beneficial
Take ownership from concept through deployment in a startup environment where speed, rigor, flight testing, and accountability matter

Benefits

We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
Equity grants for new hires
Unlimited PTO
Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.
Generous Parental Leave
Lifestyle Spending Account
FSA
DCFSA
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.