GNC/ Simulation Engineer

Delta Black Aerospace is seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) and Simulation Engineer to own the navigation and autonomy architecture of the RAIDER 330 UAS. This is a high-impact, highly technical role responsible for developing GNC algorithms, building high-fidelity vehicle simulation environments, and validating navigation performance across the full mission envelope including GPS-denied and electromagnetically contested environments. You will bridge the world of mathematical modeling and real hardware, working tightly with the integration and flight test teams to tune, validate, and field navigation solutions that perform when it matters most. Proficiency with Simulink is required; experience with Applied Navigation’s Quattro FMS and Vigilant Spirit is strongly preferred.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, implement, and tune GNC algorithms for the RAIDER 330 across VTOL, transition, cruise, and E-STOL flight regimes

Build and maintain a high-fidelity 6-DOF simulation environment in MATLAB/Simulink, including aerodynamic models, hybrid-electric propulsion dynamics, actuator models, and sensor noise models

Design and validate navigation filter architectures including Extended Kalman Filters (EKF), Unscented Kalman Filters (UKF), or factor graph-based estimators for multi-sensor fusion

Integrate and evaluate navigation sensors including IMU, GPS/GNSS, barometric altimeter, optical flow, and radar altimeter into a cohesive navigation solution

Develop GPS-denied and GNSS-degraded navigation capabilities leveraging sensor fusion, dead reckoning, ter-rain-aided navigation, or visual-inertial odometry

Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test campaigns to validate GNC performance against simulation predictions

Configure and integrate INS/GPS systems, including interface definition, initialization procedures, and in-flight calibration routines

Support Ground Control Station (GCS) integration including data link configuration, GCS-to-aircraft command/control interface, and mission planning workflows

Perform Monte Carlo analysis, trajectory optimization, and performance sensitivity studies to bound navigation accuracy across environmental conditions

Collaborate with flight test engineers to design GNC-specific test cards, analyze flight data, and close the loop between simulation predictions and measured flight results

Maintain GNC documentation including algorithm design documents, simulation validation reports, and navigation performance specifications

Support autopilot tuning and flight control law refinement for all RAIDER 330 flight modes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related discipline; Master’s degree preferred

3+ years of GNC engineering experience on aerospace, defense, or UAS platforms

Expert-level proficiency in MATLAB and Simulink, including model-based design and code generation workflows

Strong foundation in estimation theory, multi-sensor data fusion, and inertial navigation fundamentals

Demonstrated experience developing and validating navigation filters (EKF, UKF, or equivalent) in simulation and on hardware

Familiarity with 6-DOF rigid body dynamics, flight mechanics, and aerodynamic modeling

Experience with GPS-denied or GNSS-degraded navigation techniques

Strong analytical and debugging skills comfortable tracing navigation errors from sensor input through algorithm output to flight behavior

Proficiency in Python and/or C/C++ for embedded GNC implementation and data analysis

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Hands-on experience with Applied Navigation hardware and software integration on airborne platforms

Operational or integration experience with Vigilant Spirit including mission planning, payload control, and C2 link configuration

Experience with contested/denied/degraded navigation environments and electronic warfare considerations for UAS

Background with trajectory optimization tools or real-time path planning algorithms

Experience with ROS or similar middleware for sensor integration and GNC prototyping

Knowledge of relevant navigation standards such as STANAG 4671, ARP4754A, or DO-316

Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance

Prior experience supporting GNC for DoD acquisition programs, OTAs, or SBIR/STTR efforts

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Active Secret clearance required; Top Secret/SCI strongly preferred given the contested-environment and GPS-denied nature of RAIDER 330 mission sets. U.S. Citizenship required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience; equity participation available

Full medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with company contribution

Opportunity for rapid career advancement in a high-growth defense technology company

Direct collaboration with former Warfighters and senior UAS industry experts

Travel to test sites and partner facilities as required to support simulation validation and flight test campaigns