Senior GNC Engineer

Castelion Corporation•Torrance, CA

About The Position

Castelion is developing next-generation long-range strike weapons systems using short, iterative design cycles, rapid development testing, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies. The Senior GNC Engineer will develop and refine control systems for advanced missile systems, focusing on controlled flight of development vehicles and aerodynamically efficient flight paths. The role includes developing flight-control algorithms, validating simulation models through testing, working with cross-functional engineering teams, producing accurate flight predictions, informing hardware specifications, and conducting flight tests. The engineer will build and run multi-degree-of-freedom simulations for multistage vehicle flights, implement simulation models in Software in the Loop (SITL) and hardware environments, and establish controller-release validation workflows integrated with Hardware in the Loop (HITL) systems. The role also includes estimating and calibrating aerodynamic models, validating aerodynamic performance, developing actuator simulation models from test data, specifying sensor and mechanism requirements, and assessing how component errors affect overall performance. Expected outcomes include roll-stabilized, pitch-controlled single-stage ballistic flight; extension of flight-path controllers to multistage vehicles with stable and safe flight envelopes; and simulation-based design trades and hardware requirements for navigation and control. Applicants must meet applicable U.S. export-control eligibility requirements. Employees receive long-term stock incentives and access to medical, vision, and dental insurance, plus four weeks of paid time off per year.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
At least 2 years of experience in GNC engineering or a similar role in the aerospace, defense, or missile systems industry.
Experience with 6 DOF simulation tools and building flight models for missile systems.
Familiarity with CFD, Missile DATCOM, and other aerodynamics simulation tools.
Proficiency implementing and testing Software in the Loop (SITL) systems.
Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, C++, or similar languages.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, qualifying refugee or asylee, or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations to conform to U.S. Government export regulations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Hardware in the Loop (HITL) systems.
Familiarity with Kalman filters for state estimation and advanced control techniques.
Strong understanding of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and control theory.
Hands-on experience characterizing electromechanical actuators and building actuator simulation models.
Demonstrated bias to action, creative problem-solving, and ability to question assumptions and propose ideas that lead to successful implementation.
Ability to apply processes, materials, or concepts from other industries to achieve efficiency gains.
High initiative, accountability, and commitment to technical goals and resolving development blockers.
Clear communication skills, including proactively communicating blockers and managing stakeholder relationships tactfully.

Responsibilities

Build, maintain, and run multi-degree-of-freedom simulations for multistage vehicle flights.
Implement simulation models in Software in the Loop (SITL) systems and transition them to hardware environments.
Create a validation workflow for each controller release and integrate it with Hardware in the Loop (HITL) systems.
Estimate, generate, and calibrate aerodynamic tables and responses; test and validate aerodynamic performance through flight tests, novel testing, CFD, or Missile DATCOM.
Develop and characterize actuator simulation models based on test data.
Specify performance requirements for sensors and mechanisms using a bottom-up approach.
Quantify the impact of sensor and mechanism errors on overall system performance.
Design and implement control systems for roll-stabilized, pitch-controlled ballistic flights and capture flight data to validate simulations and predict aerodynamic performance.
Expand controllers to multistage vehicles while maintaining stable and safe flight envelopes across flight regimes.
Use simulations to inform design trades and specify bandwidth, slew rate, limits, and output sensor requirements for navigation and control.
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver flight predictions, drive hardware specifications, and conduct flight tests.