Senior Guidance, Navigation and Controls Engineer

Anduril Industries•Costa Mesa, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

In Anduril's Tactical Recon and Strike (TRS) division, we're pushing the boundaries of aerial drone technology. We're the driving force behind groundbreaking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt, and Altius, taking them from concept to fully operational systems that are reshaping the landscape of defense and security. Our team tackles the entire spectrum of small drone development (Group 1-3), from the drones themselves to the critical equipment needed for testing, deployment, and operation. We thrive on solving complex challenges, collaborating with specialist teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions for our customers. In TRS, you'll be at the forefront of innovation, working with state-of-the-art technology and pushing the limits of what autonomous systems can achieve. If you're passionate about creating transformative technology and want to be part of a team that's shaping the future of defense capabilities, we want to hear from you. Join us in our quest to develop game-changing aerial systems that are redefining what's possible in tactical reconnaissance and strike operations. The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team within TRS performs implementation, analysis, test, and validation for GNC software solutions supporting our autonomous drone fleet. Applications include attitude and position control, waypoint and terminal guidance engagements, and navigating contested environments including communication and GPS denied environments. This role will focus on guidance related projects and involve usage and direct implementation Guidance Navigation and Control work (GNC) and state-of-the-art Computer Vision (CV). You will be involved at earliest stage product development, and help shape the capabilities set of the platform to achieve consistent mission success on a hyper-scalable platform developed on an aggressive timeline. We are a fast-growing company at the early stages of our growth, and you will be expected to own important deliverables with tight deadlines during your time on the team, which will have a significant impact on the company’s trajectory. Anduril fosters a diverse, collaborative, culture with plenty of opportunities for ownership and professional growth. This position will be on-site at our Costa Mesa, CA location. (relocation benefits provided.)

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a focus on dynamic systems and control
3+ years professional experience in a GNC role, preferably focusing on missile or weapons systems
Experience with tactical guidance algorithms and target state estimation development
Experience with state estimation and filtering - Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, complementary filters, etc.
Experience in modeling and simulation of linear and nonlinear dynamic systems and model linearization
Experience coding in Matlab and Simulink C/C++ Proficiency
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a focus on dynamic systems and control
5+ years professional experience in a GNC role, preferably focusing on missile or weapons systems
Experience with flight test and debugging GNC on UAV platforms
Experience with GNC design and analysis for fixed wing, rotary wing aircraft and/or tactical missile systems
Experience with seeker integration
Experience in one or more of the following: VIO, TERCOM, gimbal mount models, detection and tracking, LWIR/EO sensors, RADAR, target motion models
Experience with Simulink Embedded Coder

Responsibilities

Develop guidance algorithms (terminal and midcourse) and state estimators for group 1-3 UAV platforms
Work closely with the flight software and computer vision team to define requirements, develop GNC software and validate functionality in simulation on aggressive timelines
Review test data captured from the flight control system, subsystems, and other test instrumentation to verify vehicle performance, evaluate GNC algorithm/controller behavior, or debug incidents during testing or from fielded assets
Develop models required to support functional evaluation of GNC software

Benefits

Healthcare Benefits
US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Additional Benefits Income Protection : Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Generous time off : Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December.
Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development
Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
Retirement Savings Plan US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.