Your space-enabled career begins here

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

We are searching for a talented Sr. Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to play a critical role in developing next-generation unmanned air vehicles and robotic systems. As a key member of our innovative team, you will help architect flight algorithms, conduct advanced flight testing, and integrate cutting-edge technologies into real-world solutions.

This high-impact role leverages your multi-disciplinary expertise. You’ll lead and contribute to ambitious projects spanning GN&C (60%), flight testing (20%), and supporting disciplines such as embedded software (20%). You'll guide teams, solve complex technical challenges, and directly influence the development of groundbreaking platforms.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and documentation of advanced GN&C solutions for unmanned systems.
• Characterize, test, and troubleshoot hardware and software subsystems related to control systems.
• Develop and maintain Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-In-the-Loop (SIL) Simulations
• Analyze systems and flight test data, supporting model improvements and root cause analyses.
• Develop and maintain data reduction and analysis tools that drive actionable insights from robot and UAV test data.
• Perform linear & non-linear control algorithm development to ensure world-class stability and performance.
• Drive GN&C requirements development, design reviews, and technical proposal creation.
• Mentor and support team members as a technical expert and occasionally serve as Team Lead across small, agile teams.
• Support integration of reusable GN&C and software components into new products.
• Travel up to 20% within the continental U.S. to support on-site flight operations.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• Master’s degree in engineering is strongly desired
• 4+ years of progressive experience in GN&C, aircraft design, flight testing, project management, or closely related fields.
• Exceptional hands-on engineering ability and a proven track record across multiple technical domains (autopilots, flight control, communications hardware/software, UAV integration).
• Deep knowledge in classical and modern controls design, system analysis in both frequency domain and state space.
• Experience with both Fixed wing and Multi-rotor vehicles is a plus.
• Familiarity with robotic dynamics, aided inertial navigation, and simulation tools (Monte Carlo, hardware-in-the-loop, 6DOF).
• Ability to thrive and deliver in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where innovation is expected—and celebrated.
• Demonstrated initiative, ownership of technical outcomes, and a relentless drive for continuous improvement.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Familiar with office software and computer-based productivity tools. Demonstrated competence in engineering processes and design tools
• Knowledge of appropriate design and simulation tools and validation techniques
• Demonstrates strong communication (verbal & written), presentation and collaboration skills
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills with the ability to work well across disciplines. Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
• Experience with target tracking, Autonomy/machine learning and ROS is a plus

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and R&D environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$136,807 - $194,040

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.