Sr. Principal - GNC Engineer

This Sr. Principal GNC Engineer role involves leading the development of flight control systems for unmanned air vehicles and robotic systems. Responsibilities include architecting flight algorithms, conducting flight testing, integrating technologies, and overseeing system validation. The role also includes mentoring engineers and contributing to technical proposals.

Responsibilities

• Appropriate engineering resources (personnel, equipment, etc.) are identified
• Product designs meet technical, performance, and quality requirements
• System Architecture is defined and flowed down to design teams
• Project technical progress is tracked and communicated to assess project performance
• Partners with senior leadership, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and other groups in setting priorities, establishing strategic plans, and addressing issues that cross departmental boundaries
• Oversees the design, development and validation of the flight control system for current and new products
• Oversees system interfaces, test and flight test activities from subscale to full scale within perimeter
• Implements designed flight control algorithms on to the aircraft flight control system hardware
• Oversees preparation and execution of the validation of the flight control system including analysis (SIL/HIL/iron bird)
• Manages and ensures proper integration and validation of the flight control system together with the avionic system.
• Provides mentorship and transfer of knowledge to fellow engineers
• Ensures risks/issues/opportunities are communicated to affected stakeholders
• Works on issues that impact design/selling success and addresses future concepts, products or technologies
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Advanced degree in a related engineering discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 15+ years' of combined experience in aircraft design and/or project management, GN&C, flight testing, systems engineering and program management
• Demonstrated hands-on attitude with a broad range of development experience
• Has a comprehensive knowledge of engineering disciplines and prior experience leading the development of many of these systems for manned or unmanned air vehicles: Autopilot hardware and software; Flight control hardware and software; Part 23 & part 27 aircraft certification; Ground control communications hardware and software; Ground control support equipment; Air vehicle subsystems integration & test; Air vehicle systems communications hardware and software; High voltage electrical power systems
• Travel within the continental U.S. is required to support flight test operations (up to 20%)

Nice to have

• PhD is preferred
• Demonstrates knowledge of office software and computer based productivity tools. Demonstrates expertise in engineering processes and design tools
• Expertise in appropriate design and simulation tools and validation techniques
• Demonstrates strong communication (verbal & written), presentation and collaboration skills
• Is a proven leader who has demonstrated people development and leadership skills
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills with the ability to work well across disciplines. Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Benefits

• Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.