GNC Engineer I

Worker Type

Job Description
 

Summary
The GNC Engineer I ensures the engineering needs are met and assists in planning and deployment of the design of components and their integration into systems. This role encompasses a multi-disciplinary background to include  GN&C (60%), flight testing (20%), PCB Design (5%), Software (5%) and other projects (10%). This role assists in development of technical proposals and project estimates, supports technical and engineering conflicts to resolution and ensures the engineering needs of their assigned product development projects are met.

Position Responsibilities

• Supports the design, development and validation of the flight control system for current and new products

• Supports system interfaces, test and flight test activities from subscale to full scale within  perimeter

• Supports implementation of designed flight control algorithms on to the aircraft flight control system hardware

• Supports the preparation and execution of validating the flight control system including analysis (SIL/HIL/iron bird)

• Ensures proper integration and validation of the flight control system together with the avionic system

• Supports the test team as required to explore and validate technical solutions

• Works on problems of limited scope and follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained

• Normally receives detailed instructions on all work under general supervision and mentorship

• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

• Up to 2 years' of combined experience in aircraft design and/or project management, GN&C, flight testing, systems engineering and program management

• Demonstrated hands-on attitude with a strong development experience

• Has basic knowledge of engineering disciplines and prior experience in the development of any of these systems for manned or unmanned air vehicles: Autopilot hardware and software; Flight control hardware and software; Part 23 & part 27 aircraft certification; Ground control communications hardware and software; Ground control support equipment; Air vehicle subsystems integration & test; Air vehicle systems communications hardware and software; High voltage electrical power systems

• Travel within the continental U.S. is required to support flight test operations (up to 20%)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Familiar with office software and computer based productivity tools. Demonstrated competence in engineering processes and design tools

• Familiar with the 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

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
 

The salary range for this role is:

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