Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems New Grad Engineer (ONSITE & Relocation Available)
This entry-level Systems Engineer role at Confidential Client focuses on the design, development, integration, and validation of advanced navigation solutions for aerospace, defense, and autonomous platforms. The engineer will work onsite to develop robust algorithms and architectures for real-time embedded navigation receivers, applying expertise in modeling, simulation, and sensor fusion under challenging environments. The position offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates to gain deep knowledge in navigation technology and contribute to cutting-edge military and aerospace systems.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is hiring a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems New Grad Engineer to join an on-site engineering team developing real-time embedded navigation receivers and navigation algorithms for aerospace and defense applications. This is a full-time, onsite role based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Relocation assistance is available.
- Contribute to the architecture, design, and development of navigation system solutions for ground, airborne, and weapons platforms.
- Implement, test, and integrate estimation and sensor-fusion algorithms (e.g., Kalman filters) for robust state estimation.
- Build and maintain models and simulations using MATLAB/Simulink to validate designs and support verification efforts.
- Prototype data-processing and analysis pipelines using Python; contribute embedded implementations in C.
- Integrate and analyze multi-sensor data (GPS, IMU, magnetometers, vision/LiDAR) and support sensor calibration and coordinate transformations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver systems that meet performance, safety, and security requirements.
- Document designs, test plans, and verification results in engineering tools and configuration systems.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).
- Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain DoD security clearance.
- Strong fundamentals in linear algebra, calculus, and probability/stochastic processes.
- Experience with modeling and simulation using MATLAB and Simulink.
- Programming experience in C (embedded) and Python (data analysis/prototyping).
- Ability to process and visualize large datasets (NumPy, Pandas, or MATLAB).
- Willingness and ability to work 100% onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s or PhD in a STEM discipline.
- Existing Secret or higher security clearance.
- Familiarity with Kalman filtering variants (EKF, UKF) and recursive estimation methods.
- Understanding of IMU mechanics, strapdown integration, Euler/Quaternion transformations.
- Experience with MBSE tools (SysML/Cameo/MagicDraw), Jira, and DOORS.
- Interest or experience using AI tools to assist system development and simulation.
Compensation & Benefits
- Full-time salary range: $59,023 – $100,339 per year (range provided by Confidential Client; final salary depends on experience, qualifications, and local market factors).
- Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
- Typical benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; HSA options; 401(k); disability and life insurance; paid time off and holidays; parental and other leave programs; employee assistance programs and discounts. Exact benefits depend on role and employment status.
Workplace & Eligibility
- This position requires in-person work at the Confidential Client facility in Cedar Rapids, IA (100% onsite).
- U.S. citizenship is required due to the ability to obtain DoD security clearance.
- Confidential Client follows all applicable U.S. federal, state, and local hiring laws, including those for Iowa. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities; please notify Careertakes if you need assistance during the hiring process.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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