Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer 6

Engineering

Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer 6 Seal Beach, CA Posted: 8/24/2026

Job Description

Job ID#:

225153

Job Category:

Engineering

Position Type:

Associate - W2

Duration:

52

Shift:

1

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer 6, in Seal Beach, CA. Job ID#225153

Pay Rate: $143 - $148/hr

Job Description:

ESG delivers first-of-kind solutions for customers in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, including the X-37B, the world s first fully autonomous, reusable spaceplane. You will design GN&C algorithms, build high fidelity simulations, implement and test flight software, and support integration and flight test in both atmospheric and space environments.

Key Responsibilities

Design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic/airborne platforms.

Develop and maintain 6 DOF dynamics simulations and associated analysis tools for mission and performance assessment.

Implement and validate GN&C flight software (MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes) and integrate with testbeds and avionics.

Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design, novel orbit concepts, and trajectory optimization.

Apply aerodynamics, atmospheric flight mechanics, and controls knowledge to support the design of re-entry guidance, navigation, and flight control functions.

Develop powered and unpowered guidance laws and autonomy tools for on orbit and atmospheric operations.

Support troubleshooting of operational anomalies, functional tests, and service incidents.

Produce concepts of operations, simulation artifacts, and test procedures to enable rapid iteration from prototype to flight test.

Collaborate with cross functional teams (systems engineering, avionics, test, and business development) and communicate technical tradeoffs to stakeholders.

Independently identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and implement reusable tools and automations.

Required Skills

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement 5+ years of related work experience (Ex. PhD, Master's + 3 or more years' related work experience)

Engineering experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platform or similar vehicles

Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink

Proficiency developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations

Experience developing with C/C++, Python or C#.

Active Tier 5 (T5) Clearance, formerly known as Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is Preferred

Preferred Skills

Degree in aerospace/aeronautical engineering (BS/MS/PhD)

10+ years related technical experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience with spacecraft operations, space environment effects, or hypersonic re entry GN&C

Familiarity with state estimation and sensor fusion (e.g., Kalman filters), GPS/INS, or air data systems

Background in classical and modern control theory and nonlinear control design

Model based development experience and flight test support.

Prior work on space or hypersonic programs

Ability to work effectively in broad, minimally defined design spaces and to communicate technical results clearly.

Education / Experience:

Bachelor's and 20 or more years' experience, Master's with 18 or more years' experience or PhD with 15 or more years' experience. Bachelor, Master or Doctorate of Science degree from an accredited course of study, in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Job Requirements

Minimum Security Clearance:

Top Secret/SCI

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled