Staff GNC Engineer

CSG is working with a well-funded, fast-scaling defense startup currently in stealth mode, developing next-generation autonomous systems designed to operate in highly dynamic, real-world environments.

This is not a simulation only environment, the focus is on building systems that perform reliably in live mission conditions, where precision, stability, and robustness are non-negotiable.

As a Staff GNC Engineer, you'll play a key role in bridging the gap between theoretical flight dynamics and real-world deployment, owning critical elements of guidance, navigation, and control across the full system lifecycle.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll take ownership of core GNC capabilities across autonomy and flight performance, including:

• Designing and developing high-fidelity flight dynamics models (6-DOF) to accurately predict vehicle behaviour
• Developing and tuning control laws using both classical and modern control techniques (PID, LQR, state-space, etc.)
• Building navigation and state estimation systems using sensor fusion (e.g. EKF with IMU/GPS inputs)
• Creating guidance algorithms for trajectory generation, path planning, and mission execution
• Running Monte Carlo simulations and stability analysis to validate robustness across edge cases
• Supporting hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing and integration with real flight systems
• Working closely with autonomy, software, and hardware teams to ensure systems perform outside of controlled environments

What They're Looking For

• Strong background in GNC, flight controls, or autonomous systems
• Deep understanding of control theory (SISO/MIMO systems, stability, frequency domain analysis)
• Experience developing real-world systems - not just modelling
• Proficiency in:
  • Python / MATLAB / Simulink for modelling and simulation
  • C++ for production-level flight software
• Strong mathematical foundations (linear algebra, dynamics, coordinate systems such as quaternions/Euler angles)

Nice to Have

• Experience with simulation environments (e.g. Gazebo, JSBSim)
• Exposure to autopilot systems (PX4 or similar)
• Experience working on UAVs, missiles, or high-speed autonomous platforms
• Understanding of radar systems, perception, or sensor-driven autonomy
• Background in rocket or advanced flight dynamics