Senior Guidance Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer

Who We Are

At Firestorm, we're building toward a future defined by incontestable defense logistics. That means equipping warfighters with mission-critical capabilities at the point of need. Not in months, not from a depot halfway around the world, but now, in the field, on demand.

We're a VC-backed defense technology company pioneering an expeditionary manufacturing ecosystem that produces and sustains modular, mission-adaptable unmanned systems, parts and components for repair and sustainment, and the software to transform point solutions into a network of strategic assets.

We're building a team of engineers, operators, and problem-solvers who believe the future of deterrence cannot rely only on expensive, exquisite platforms made in centralized factories. We build and field affordable systems using distributed production capabilities at the edge. If you want to solve challenging problems that will reshape the future of defense, you're in the right place.

About The Role

At Firestorm, we are building autonomous aerial systems that operate where they are needed most, when they are needed most. Our mission requires speed, ingenuity, and a relentless commitment to engineering excellence. We move fast, test constantly, and deliver capability that performs in the real world, not just in simulation.

We are looking for a Controls Engineer who is excited to build, test, and deliver high-performance autonomous flight systems. You will own the design, implementation, and validation of flight-control algorithms for our Unmanned Autonomous Systems, blending deep control-systems expertise with startup-level ownership and hands-on testing. You will architect control solutions, build and refine models and simulations, and drive flight-test workflows from first flight through rapid iteration. This is not a theory-only role. You will see your work fly, assess real-world behavior, tune performance in the loop, and directly influence vehicle capability. You will help define technical standards, contribute to a high-integrity engineering culture, and shape how autonomy is deployed in demanding operational environments.

If you want to build systems that matter, own your work end to end, and be part of a team that values bold thinking grounded in rigorous engineering, Firestorm is the place to do it.

What You’ll Do

• Define control-system architecture and requirements for fixed-wing and autonomous aircraft, including primary flight control, energy management, and mode logic
• Design and implement control and estimation algorithms that account for actuator limits, sensor noise, timing, and real-world system constraints
• Model dynamical systems, develop accurate plant models, and validate them using flight-test data and simulation environments
• Lead system identification and aerodynamic model refinement based on real flight data
• Develop robust, fault-tolerant, and graceful-degradation control strategies for reliable autonomous operation
• Use simulation, SIL and HIL testing, Monte Carlo analysis, and system-performance tools to verify and validate flight-control and estimation software
• Design and execute flight-test plans, analyze telemetry and logs, tune controllers, and rapidly iterate based on real-world performance
• Integrate navigation and estimator outputs, including GPS-denied or alternative navigation solutions, into control architectures
• Collaborate closely with autonomy, avionics, embedded software, and flight-test teams to ensure seamless full-system performance
• Participate in system design reviews, safety assessments, and documentation to support high-integrity engineering practices
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across simulation, ground testing, and flight operations
• Contribute to technical standards, code reviews, and continuous improvement in controls and GNC development processes
• Stay current with advances in controls, GNC, robotics, and autonomous systems and apply new techniques where beneficial
• Take ownership from concept through deployment in a startup environment where speed, rigor, flight testing, and accountability matter

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle GNC development, simulation, & applied controls
• Experience building and tuning control systems for robotics, autonomy, or flight vehicles
• Proficiency in C++, Python, and MATLAB or Octave
• Strong foundation in classical and modern control theory
• Experience with system modeling and test-based validation
• Ability to evaluate flight data, debug issues, and communicate findings across teams
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree or Ph.D in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle GNC development, simulation, & applied controls
• High profic