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 collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to optimize guidance, navigation, and control systems through modeling, simulation, and flight testing to meet mission objectives in aerospace defense.
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 seeking an entry-level Systems Engineer I to join their Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team in Tucson, AZ. In this role you will support evaluation, design, implementation, and integration of embedded software algorithms for missile and tactical systems. You will work as part of an integrated product team alongside software, firmware, and systems engineers to meet flight- and system-level performance requirements.
Key responsibilities:
- Support design and integration of guidance, navigation, and estimation algorithms
- Implement and test embedded software components in MATLAB, Python, and C/C++
- Contribute to modeling & simulation (including six-degree-of-freedom simulations) and support CFD/wind-tunnel data as needed
- Assist with Kalman filtering, sensor fusion (IMU/GPS), and signal processing tasks
- Participate in subsystem and flight test data analysis and system-level verification
- Collaborate across engineering disciplines to translate requirements into tested algorithms and software
Qualifications — Required
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, physics, mathematics, or related STEM field (must be completed by start date)
- Experience or coursework with MATLAB, Python, C/C++ and/or object-oriented design; familiarity with Linux
- Exposure to one or more of: GNC systems, modeling & simulation techniques, control systems, dynamics, Kalman filter design, signal processing, navigation sensors (IMU/GPS), APNT concepts, or aerodynamics/CFD
- Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate technical ideas clearly
- U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain interim and final U.S. government security clearances prior to start
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics
- Prior internships, co-ops, academic research, or class projects applying GNC, simulation, or embedded software skills
- Experience with embedded software workflows, firmware integration, or flight-test support
- Practical exposure to Kalman filters, sensor fusion, and/or signal processing for electro-optical, infrared, or RF modalities
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: 62,900 USD — 119,700 USD per year (good-faith estimate across experience levels)
- This role is full-time, contractor status as listed by the client
- Hired applicants may be eligible for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible schedules, paid time off, parental leave, and other benefits based on the business unit and role
- Relocation eligibility may apply
Location & Clearance
- Onsite — Tucson, AZ (primary work location: 1151 E Hermans Rd, BLDG 805)
- This role requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain an interim and final DoD security clearance (Secret). Candidates must be eligible for adjudication by DCSA.
About the Team
You’ll join the Processing Guidance & Control Center supporting missile programs. The team uses CFD and wind-tunnel data, high-fidelity simulations, and embedded tactical software to design, validate, and deliver GNC solutions. This is a great role for early-career engineers who want hands-on experience in algorithm development, simulation, and flight-test support.
Why Work With Careertakes + Confidential Client
Careertakes is partnering with Confidential Client to present this opportunity using third-party recruiting best practices. Candidates who move forward through the process will be evaluated by Confidential Client’s hiring team. Careertakes provides additional matched opportunities and support during application and interview coordination.
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.
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