Systems Engineer I - Guidance, Navigation, and Control (Onsite)
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 develop and evaluate guidance, navigation, and control systems through modeling, simulation, and flight testing, requiring a DoD Secret security clearance and U.S. citizenship.
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.
About the Role
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Systems Engineer I to join a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team in Tucson, AZ. This onsite role supports missile program execution and focuses on evaluation, design, implementation, and integration of embedded software algorithms for guidance, navigation, and control. The position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
What You’ll Do
- Support design, implementation, and integration of embedded GNC algorithms (guidance, tracking, navigation, estimation).
- Work with six-degree-of-freedom simulations, tactical embedded software, and firmware to meet system performance requirements.
- Contribute to modeling & simulation tasks, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel data analysis.
- Participate in subsystem and system-level testing, including flight test support and data analysis.
- Collaborate in cross-functional integrated product teams to deliver solutions that meet mission objectives.
Qualifications You Must Have
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related STEM field (degree required by start date).
- Experience with MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ and familiarity with object-oriented design and Linux operating systems.
- Exposure to one or more of the following areas (via coursework, projects, research, or work): GNC systems, modeling & simulation, modern/digital control systems, dynamics, Kalman filter design, signal processing (electro-optical, infrared, or RF), navigation systems and sensors (IMU/GPS), APNT concepts, aerodynamics and CFD.
- Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. government security clearance (DoD Secret or ability to obtain interim clearance).
- U.S. citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Majors in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
- Prior internships, co-ops, class projects, or research applying technical coursework to real problems.
- Demonstrated teamwork, clear communication, task organization, and the ability to work toward shared goals.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: 62,900 USD - 119,700 USD (good-faith estimate covering experience levels). Final pay depends on role, experience, education, skills, and location.
- Potential benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance, paid time off, parental leave, and holidays. Specific benefits may vary by business unit.
Workplace & Security
- This is an onsite role based in Tucson, AZ.
- The position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance prior to or shortly after start. Candidates will be asked to complete the standard clearance process managed by DCSA and may be required to attend select interview steps in-person.
- Confidential Client is committed to a secure, fair hiring process and may request in-person participation at select stages regardless of role designation.
Why Join
- Work on technically challenging aerospace and defense problems with experienced engineers.
- Gain hands-on experience in embedded software, GNC algorithm development, simulations, and flight test support.
- Opportunity for professional growth through projects, collaboration, and mentorship.
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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