Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer I/II

Role Summary

Specter Aerospace is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer I/II to support the design and analysis of high-speed airbreathing testbed vehicles. A successful candidate will have prior experience developing GNC algorithms for high-speed and hypersonic flight systems, developing and analyzing six degree-of-freedom simulations, and supporting the transition from development to flight.

About Specter Aerospace

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. With offices in Boston and Peabody, MA, Specter leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Our GNC Engineer I/II will be based in our Peabody office. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

Role & Responsibilities

• Support development of six degree-of-freedom (6DOF) simulations using C++ 

• Design and evaluate GNC algorithms for the control of high-speed airbreathing vehicles 

• Perform GNC-related analyses of high-speed airbreathing vehicles to assess flight performance 

• Develop software-/hardware-in-the-loop (SWIL/HWIL) capabilities to aid in design, analysis, and verification of high-speed systems 

• Support trajectory optimization and analysis efforts (3DOF/6DOF) 

• Coordinate with modeling and simulation team to support survivability/employment analyses in a classified setting 

• Other duties as assigned by the company 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline 

• 0-3 years of relevant full-time experience 

• Experience developing modeling and simulation tools, including 6DOF simulations of high-speed systems 

• Proficient in Python or MATLAB 

• Understanding of GNC fundamentals and applications to high-speed flight 

• Experienced in both classical and modern control methods 

• Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required) 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline 

• 2+ years of relevant full-time experience 

• Experience transitioning guidance algorithms from development to flight 

• Experience with C++  

• Experience supporting ground and flight test efforts including SWIL/HWIL activities 

• Active DoD security clearance 

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.