GNC Engineer

Location: Lenexa, Kansas (Onsite). Relocation assistance may be provided.

GuideTech is seeking a full-time GNC engineer to take projects from simulation to flight, and lead the testing that proves they work.

As a Modeling, Simulation & GNC Engineer at GuideTech, you will develop high-fidelity vehicle models, implement GNC algorithms, and serve as the technical “showrunner” for flight-test campaigns. You'll own the technical execution of flight testing, from defining objectives and coordinating readiness to monitoring vehicle performance, resolving anomalies, and using flight data to improve system performance.

GuideTech is a subsidiary of Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PDYN), a U.S.-based defense and industrial technology company that delivers embodied AI-powered collaborative autonomy solutions, advanced avionics, precision-manufactured components, UAVs, and advanced aerospace design services. Learn more at https://guide.tech/.

You'll contribute to advanced aerospace and autonomous systems, including unmanned aircraft, launch vehicles, spacecraft, and missiles. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex GNC challenges and taking ownership from initial design through real-world flight verification.

What You'll Do

• Lead flight-test campaigns by coordinating test objectives, schedules, engineering teams, hardware readiness, risks, and execution.
• Define flight-test maneuvers, operating conditions, and performance criteria to validate GNC systems.
• Monitor flight telemetry and compare actual vehicle behavior against simulation predictions.
• Lead anomaly investigations, coordinate corrective actions, and support technical readiness for subsequent flights.
• Analyze post-flight data to calibrate models, refine GNC algorithms, and improve simulation accuracy.
• Develop high-fidelity aerospace vehicle dynamics models and simulations.
• Design, implement, and validate GNC algorithms for simulation and flight software.
• Conduct trade studies, verify system performance, and collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, software, and systems engineering teams.
• Document test results, technical findings, and recommendations.

What Makes Someone Successful Here

• You take ownership from design through flight testing.
• You coordinate teams and technical activities effectively.
• You remain analytical and decisive when unexpected issues arise.
• You connect simulation results with real-world vehicle behavior.
• You communicate clearly and solve problems across engineering disciplines.