Gnc Engineer - Navigation

Job Title: GNC Engineer - Navigation

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, analyzing, and implementing guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms for aerospace vehicles. The GNC Engineer develops advanced navigation and sensor fusion solutions, builds high‑fidelity models and simulations, and translates algorithms into robust, flight‑ready software. The position works closely with embedded software teams to integrate and verify GNC functionality in real‑time environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and implement guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms for aerospace vehicles.
• Develop sensor fusion algorithms, including Kalman filtering techniques such as extended and unscented Kalman filters and complementary filters.
• Evaluate and integrate navigation sensors such as inertial measurement units (IMUs), GPS, star trackers, and LiDAR into GNC architectures.
• Perform 6‑degree‑of‑freedom (6‑DOF) modeling, simulation, and performance analysis to assess system behavior under nominal and off‑nominal conditions.
• Build high‑fidelity dynamic models of vehicles, sensors, actuators, and environmental disturbances to support analysis and design.
• Conduct Monte Carlo analyses and sensitivity studies to validate the robustness, reliability, and performance margins of GNC solutions.
• Use tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C, and C to develop, run, and refine simulations and analytical models.
• Translate GNC algorithms into flight‑ready software with a focus on numerical stability, computational efficiency, and real‑time performance.
• Collaborate with embedded software teams to integrate, test, and verify GNC functionality on hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) systems.
• Participate in HIL testing campaigns to validate sensor models, flight software, and closed‑loop system performance.
• Model and characterize sensors to improve navigation accuracy and robustness in operational environments.

Essential Skills

• Strong experience in guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) engineering for aerospace applications.
• Proficiency in developing and applying Kalman filter–based estimation, including extended and unscented Kalman filters and complementary filters.
• Hands‑on experience with sensor fusion and sensor modeling for navigation systems.
• Proficiency with 6‑degree‑of‑freedom (6‑DOF) modeling, simulation, and performance analysis.
• Experience conducting Monte Carlo analyses and sensitivity studies for robustness and reliability assessment.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and Simulink for algorithm development, modeling, and simulation.
• Strong programming skills in C and C for implementing flight software and real‑time algorithms.
• Experience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testing for aerospace, defense, or aviation systems.
• Familiarity with navigation sensors such as IMUs, GPS, star trackers, and LiDAR.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or aviation environments with exposure to flight software and real‑time systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on aerospace, defense, or aviation programs involving real‑time flight software.
• Hands‑on experience modeling and integrating LiDAR and other advanced navigation sensors.
• Familiarity with Python or similar environments for analysis, scripting, and automation of simulations.
• Experience collaborating with embedded software teams on integration and verification activities.
• Understanding of environmental disturbance modeling and its impact on GNC performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $50 - $80