Head of GNC

About the role

You will define the technical vision and execution strategy for the guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) domain across the full lifecycle of our missile defense programs. You will partner with mission stakeholders to translate operational needs into precise GNC system architectures and performance requirements. You will own the development of analysis models, simulation tools, and verification test plans that de-risk designs before metal is cut. You will lead cross-functional design reviews and ensure that GNC solutions remain robust, cost-effective, and scalable for mass production. You will mentor engineers in best practices for navigation sensor integration, control law implementation, and trajectory optimization. You will interface with external partners and customers to align technical deliverables with evolving mission objectives. You will champion a culture of rigorous data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement within the GNC discipline. You will ensure that all flight and test programs adhere to stringent safety, reliability, and performance standards.

Key facts

What you'll do

Architect the end-to-end GNC stack for missile defense systems, covering sensor fusion, navigation, estimation, and control across exo- and endo-atmospheric flight regimes.

Define system-level requirements and performance envelopes in collaboration with mission owners, ensuring that GNC capabilities align with defense objectives, engagement scenarios, and operational constraints.

Develop high-fidelity simulation models and digital twins to predict vehicle dynamics, sensor accuracy, and control effectiveness under diverse environmental and threat conditions.

Lead the design and execution of analysis and test campaigns that validate GNC algorithms, verify robustness, and demonstrate compliance with stringent safety and reliability targets.

Oversee the integration of inertial, optical, and radar navigation sensors, ensuring that timing, calibration, and data quality meet the demands of precision guidance in contested environments.

Design and implement control laws and guidance trajectories that optimize intercept performance, stability, and responsiveness while managing actuator limits and structural loads.

Establish verification and validation procedures, including hardware-in-the-loop and flight test planning, to confirm that GNC solutions perform as predicted from analysis to reality.

Champion data-driven decision-making by owning key performance metrics, root cause analysis of anomalies, and the implementation of corrective actions across GNC subsystems.

Mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team of navigation, control, and software specialists, fostering collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and mission systems engineers.

Serve as the primary technical authority for GNC matters in customer interactions, program reviews, and regulatory or standards discussions as applicable.

Drive the simplification and modularization of GNC architectures to enable rapid deployment, lower production costs, and scalability across multiple defense programs.

Promote a culture of ownership, where GNC engineers proactively identify risks, propose mitigations, and follow through on critical issues from concept to flight.

Ensure that all GNC activities adhere to schedule, budget, and quality commitments, balancing innovation with the practical realities of fielding defense capabilities at scale.

Contribute to the broader Longwall mission by exploring emerging navigation, sensing, and control technologies that could provide decisive advantages in future defense scenarios.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required for this role due to the sensitive nature of defense-related work and access to controlled technologies.

You must hold a Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a closely related technical field from an accredited institution.

You must demonstrate deep expertise in guidance, navigation, and control principles, with proven experience modeling, analyzing, and testing dynamic vehicle systems.

You must have hands-on experience with inertial navigation systems, sensor integration, and Kalman filtering or equivalent estimation techniques in real-world applications.

You must have a strong background in control theory, including classical and modern control methods, and the ability to apply them to multi-degree-of-freedom aerospace systems.

You must have experience leading system-level design efforts, managing technical trade studies, and documenting requirements across distributed engineering teams.

You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where priorities evolve based on mission needs and technology advancements.

You must be able to obtain and maintain the eligibility for a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance, which may require additional vetting and documentation.

Nice to have

Experience with flight test programs, test planning, and data analysis is preferred.

Familiarity with defense acquisition processes, standards, and mission assurance practices is a plus.

Knowledge of rapid prototyping, model-based design, and simulation tools used in aerospace development is beneficial.

Experience with containerized or mass-producible defense systems is advantageous given our production philosophy.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in Long Beach, California.

U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain the necessary security clearance are mandatory for employment.

Travel may be required for flight test campaigns, customer engagements, and industry conferences.

Candidates must be able to start as soon as operational needs permit.