GNC Engineer

About Castelion

Castelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production: one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. We’re designing, building, and testing next-generation long-range strike weapons systems to give America and its Allies a definitive edge and deter future conflicts.

GNC Engineer

As a GNC Engineer at Castelion, you will be at the forefront of developing and refining the control systems that guide and control our advanced missile systems. You will be responsible for controlled flight of development vehicles, focusing on aerodynamically efficient flight paths. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology, creating advanced flight control algorithms while validating simulation models through real-world testing. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver accurate flight predictions, drive hardware specification, and conduct successful flight tests.

Responsibilities

• 6 DOF Simulations: Build, maintain and run multi-DOF simulations for multi-stage vehicle flights. Implement the simulation models in Software in the Loop (SITL) systems and transition them to hardware environments. Build a validation workflow for each controller release and integrate with Hardware in the Loop (HITL) systems to test real-world expected performance.
• Aerodynamic Analysis: Estimate, generate, and calibrate aerodynamic tables and responses. Test and validate aerodynamic performance through flight tests, novel testing, and analytical CFD or Missile DATCOM.
• Electromechanical Actuators: Develop and characterize actuator simulation models based on test data. Specify performance requirements for sensors and mechanisms from a bottom-up approach. Quantify the impact of sensor and mechanism errors on overall performance.

Outcomes

• Roll-Pitch Controlled Single Stage Flights: Design and implement initial control systems to achieve roll-stabilized pitch controlled ballistic paths. Capture flight data to validate simulations and predict aerodynamic performance.
• Roll-Pitch Flight Path on Multi-Stage Vehicles: Expand controllers to multi-stage vehicle while ensuring stable and safe flight envelopes throughout all flight regimes.
• Simulations and Model Predictions: Build and utilize simulations to inform design trades. Specify bandwidth, slew rate, limits, and output sensor requirements for navigation and control.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2 years of experience in GNC engineering or a similar role in the aerospace, defense, or missile systems industry.
• Experience with 6 DOF simulation tools and building flight models for missile systems.
• Familiarity with CFD, Missile Datcom, and other aerodynamics simulation tools.
• Proficient in implementing and testing Software in the Loop (SITL) systems.
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, C , or similar languages

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with Hardware in the Loop (HITL) systems.
• Familiarity with Kalman filters for state estimation and advanced control techniques.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and control theory.
• Hands-on experience with electromechanical actuator characterization and building actuator simulation models.

Leadership Qualities:

• Bias to Action and Creative Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to question assumptions and propose breakthrough ideas that lead to successful implementation. Capable of bringing in processes, materials, or concepts from other industries to achieve efficiency gains.
• High Commitment, High Initiative: A genuine passion for Castelion’s mission and a strong sense of accountability. Consistently seeks ways to contribute to technical goals and resolve blockers in the development process.
• Clear Communicator: Proactively communicates challenges and solutions. Trusted to represent the company with key stakeholders such as suppliers, customers, and regulators. Capable of delivering clear, logical communications that drive clarity and eliminate ambiguity

All employees are granted long-term stock incentives as part of their employment as Castelion. All employees receive access to comprehensive medial, vision, and dental insurance, and the company offers three weeks of paid time off per year.

ITAR Requirements:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Castelion is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and merit, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, or any other protected class.