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Specialist, GNC Engineer

Richardson, Texas, Ashburn, Virginia
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Using first-principles thinking, GNC software engineers use a foundational understanding of physics combined with multi-disciplinary experience to develop and evaluate system capability to help steer a program’s strategic roadmap.  Responsibilities include developing and evaluating guidance, navigation, and control algorithms; building high-fidelity simulations; implementing software prototypes; supporting integration and test; and analyzing performance across a range of vehicle types and mission profiles.

The Agile Development Group (ADG) develops disruptive, next-generation capabilities for advanced unmanned air systems, radar, weapon, and RF sensor platforms.  ADG combines the speed and innovation of a small team with the resources and scale of a larger organization.

Essential Functions: 

  • Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills, including experience performing trade studies and parametric analyses.
  • Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Simulation and Software Development
    • Develop and support simulation environments and software tools for advanced GNC applications.
    • Create dynamic models of vehicle aerodynamics, propulsion, hardware, actuators, and sensor systems.
    • Design and develop guidance algorithms to deliver mission capability across a range of operating conditions.
    • Design, implement, and tune controllers to meet vehicle stability, control, and performance requirements.
    • Integrate multi-sensor feedback to support navigation, tracking, and state estimation solutions.
  • System Evaluation and Technical Communication
    • Assess system performance, capability, robustness, and sensitivity through analysis, simulation, and test.
    • Perform root-cause analysis of anomalies and support corrective action development.
    • Prepare and communicate design, analysis, and test results to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated technical competency in at least one guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) discipline, such as:
    • Guidance
    • Navigation
    • Control theory
    • Tracking and state estimation
    • High-fidelity vehicle modeling
  • Functional Growth
    • Support continuous improvement of the GNC organization through development of technical standards, processes, tools, and reusable resources.
    • Support technical growth across the team through mentorship, collaboration, peer reviews, and knowledge sharing.
  • Physical Requirements (such as ability to lift up to 20 lbs.)
  • Up to 10% travel may be required for field testing and/or multi-site support.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline and a minimum of 4 years of related engineering experience with a Bachelor’s degree. 2 years of related engineering experience with a Master’s degree. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 8 years of prior related engineering experience.
  • Active US secret security clearance.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mathematics, or related technical discipline.
  • Demonstrated technical competency in multiple GNC disciplines.
  • Familiarity with integration and use of a variety of mission-sensor types (RADAR, EO/IR, etc), modes, and stabilization.
  • Familiarity with a variety of vehicle-sensor types (GPS, IMU, ADS, etc) and modes.
  • Familiarity with a variety of tracker types and Kalman filtering.
  • Background in physics/rigid body dynamics.
  • Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to other engineers.
  • Strong team leadership, collaboration, and delegation skills.
  • Demonstrated adaptability, sound judgment, and emotional intelligence in a fast-paced engineering environment.
  • Excellent people skills, with experience leading and collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team environment.
  • Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, & presentation).

#LI-KM1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

About L3 Harris

L3 Harris

L3 Harris is one of the largest defense and aerospace companies in the United States, delivering advanced technologies that support missions across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. The company develops communications systems, space payloads, intelligence platforms, electronic warfare capabilities, missile defense technologies, and mission-critical sensors used by the U.S. military, intelligence community, and allied nations around the world.

For job seekers, L3Harris offers opportunities across engineering, software development, cybersecurity, space systems, manufacturing, intelligence, program management, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on advanced technologies that directly support national security. With programs spanning tactical communications, ISR platforms, satellite systems, and defense electronics, employees have the opportunity to contribute to some of the military’s most important capabilities.

Unlike companies focused on a single mission area, L3Harris operates across a diverse portfolio of defense technologies, providing employees exposure to a broad range of programs and technical disciplines. Teams work on everything from secure communications and autonomous systems to space-based sensors and electronic warfare platforms, creating opportunities for both specialization and long-term career growth within the organization.

As governments continue investing in modernization, space capabilities, resilient communications, and advanced sensing technologies, L3Harris remains one of the most important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking a mission-driven career with strong growth opportunities, technical challenges, and direct impact on global security, L3Harris continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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