Principal Software Engineer - GNC

Principal Software Engineer – eVTOL

We are advancing the next generation of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, including hybrid-electric and coaxial rotorcraft designs, for both commercial and defense applications. As Principal Software Engineer, you will lead the development of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems across multiple aircraft platforms, from conceptual design through flight test and certification.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and development of flight control laws, estimation algorithms, and vehicle dynamics models for eVTOL and rotorcraft platforms.
• Design and implement real-time simulation environments (HIL/SIL) and embedded flight software.
• Oversee sensor fusion, state estimation, and robust control systems across all flight regimes.
• Drive flight test validation, system identification, and certification-related analysis.
• Mentor and grow the GNC engineering team, promoting technical excellence across control systems.
• Collaborate closely with avionics, autonomy, propulsion, and airframe teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Interface with external partners, regulators, and certification authorities on airworthiness, safety, and software compliance.

Required Experience

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in GNC or flight control systems for VTOL, rotorcraft, or UAV platforms.
• Expertise in control design, Kalman filtering, system identification, and embedded flight software development.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, and modern simulation tools.
• Experience with DO-178, DO-160, or MIL-STD certification environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with eVTOL, coaxial, or tiltrotor aircraft.
• Background in autonomy, trajectory planning, or redundancy/fail-safe controls.
• Hands-on flight test and HIL integration experience.

Why Join

• Lead core technologies on cutting-edge vertical lift aircraft.
• Contribute to transformative commercial and defense programs.