Gnc Engineer - California

LTA Research and Exploration has an opening for a motivated GNC engineer to join our team and build 'lighter than air' flight vehicles. You will work within a dynamic engineering and design team to conceptualize, rapidly prototype, test and implement innovative solutions for the design, fabrication and assembly of large experimental flight vehicles. We believe in fast-cycle development and approach to flight hardware development with the motto "build a little, test a little, learn a lot". This unique position allows for hand-on participation through all phases of development, from concept to flight of an experimental aerospace vehicle.

We are seeking a high energy, passionate GNC engineer to help build and test the dynamics and controls model as well as the dynamics simulator of lighter than air flight vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, verify and test algorithms, software and simulation tools to perform guidance, navigation and control (GNC) of lighter than air vehicles.
• Participate in the linear and non-linear modeling of vehicle dynamics and flight environment as well as in the development of control laws to guarantee flight performance requirements.
• Integrate models into software and hardware-in-the-loop simulation environments.
• Design performance and stability analysis tools and perform controller analysis.
• Support subscale model development and testing.
• Analyze airship flight test data and support flight test activities.

Qualifications

• BS+ in aerospace, electrical, computer or mechanical engineering with strong background in dynamics and controls
• 1-4 years experience in a similar role
• Experience in developing and implementing simulations based on flight dynamics and physics
• Linear and nonlinear control system design
• Proficient in MatLab and Simulink
• Proficient with Git version control
• Strong mathematical skills
• Self-starter

Preferred Qualifications

• Control system performance and stability analysis 
• Test engineering experience, preferably in aerospace environment
• Experience designing Monte Carlo simulation
• System Identification experience
• Knowledge of different allocation approaches desirable
• Experience with saturation in control systems
• Experience with state estimation algorithms, e.g. Kalman filtering
• Familiar with MatLab Embedded Coder
• Familiar with the dynamics of airships and/or submarines
• Proficient in C, C++ and Python
• Experience developing for embedded systems
• Good understanding of time critical systems (RTOS)
• Working in an interdisciplinary team and/or international team environment

What We Offer!

• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• Mental health benefit
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check clearance
• Drug test clearance wherever applicable

The base salary range for this role is $100,000 to $150,000, which is determined based on experience, geography, and qualifications. The base salary is one component of the total compensation package, which includes a very competitive annual bonus, 401K Match, and other generous benefits. While we believe competitive compensation is a critical aspect of your decision to join us, we do hope you also spend time considering why our mission and culture are right for you.

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.