Systems Engineer I - Guidance, Navigation, and Control (Onsite) with Security Clearance
The Systems Engineer I in Guidance, Navigation, and Control at Confidential Client supports missile program execution by designing, implementing, and integrating embedded software algorithms. This entry-level onsite role involves collaboration within integrated product teams to optimize system performance through modeling, simulation, and flight testing, requiring a security clearance and proficiency in relevant engineering tools and techniques.
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.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Systems Engineer I to join the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team onsite in Tucson, AZ. This role supports missile-program engineering activities including algorithm development, modeling & simulation, and system-level testing. The position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and hold a U.S. government security clearance.
What You’ll Do
This is an entry-level, onsite engineering role working with an integrated product team on tactical embedded software, firmware, and six-degree-of-freedom simulations to meet mission objectives.
- Support evaluation, design, implementation, and integration of embedded software algorithms for guidance, navigation, and control.
- Contribute to modeling & simulation efforts and six-degree-of-freedom system simulations.
- Assist with characterization of system aerodynamics (CFD and/or wind tunnel data) and integrate results with GNC models.
- Support sensor integration and algorithm testing for IMU/GPS and other navigation sensors.
- Participate in subsystem and system-level testing, including flight test support and data analysis.
- Work collaboratively with engineers across software, hardware, test, and systems teams to meet technical requirements.
Qualifications You Must Have
- Bachelor’s degree (completed by start date) in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or another STEM field.
- Experience or coursework with MATLAB and/or Python; familiarity with C/C++ and object-oriented design is preferred.
- Familiarity with Linux operating systems.
- Exposure (through coursework, projects, research, or work) to one or more of:
- GNC systems, modeling & simulation techniques, or six-degree-of-freedom simulation
- Modern control systems and dynamics (Kalman filter design, estimation)
- Signal processing (electro-optical, IR, or RF)
- Navigation systems and sensors (IMU, GPS) and algorithms (APNT)
- Aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
- Academic or project experience applying technical coursework to real-world systems (class projects, research, internships, co-ops).
- Prior internship, co-op, or related engineering experience.
- Clear communication and teamwork skills; experience organizing tasks and working to shared goals.
Security & Legal Requirements
- U.S. citizenship is required for this role.
- Active and transferable U.S. government security clearance is required prior to start. Candidates must be able to obtain an interim clearance if requested.
- As part of the hiring process, select interview steps may be required in-person at a company location.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range (good-faith estimate): USD 62,900 — USD 119,700 per year. The final offer will consider role, experience, location, education, and skills.
- Benefits (may vary by business unit): medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short/long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, parental leave, employee assistance programs, and eligibility for short- and/or long-term incentive programs.
- Relocation eligibility may apply.
Why Join
- Work on technically challenging aerospace and defense problems with experienced engineering teams.
- Gain hands-on experience in embedded algorithms, simulation, and flight-test engineering in a mission-focused environment.
- Opportunity for career growth, mentorship, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
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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