Slope
Senior Guidance, Navigation and Controls Engineer
Slope, Costa Mesa, California, United States, 92626
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting‑edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM In Anduril’s Tactical Recon and Strike (TRS) division, we’re pushing the boundaries of aerial drone technology. We’re the driving force behind groundbreaking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt, and Altius, taking them from concept to fully operational systems that are reshaping the landscape of defense and security. Our team tackles the entire spectrum of small drone development (Group 1‑3), from the drones themselves to the critical equipment needed for testing, deployment, and operation. We thrive on solving complex challenges, collaborating with specialist teams to deliver cutting‑edge solutions for our customers. In TRS, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation, working with state‑of‑the‑art technology and pushing the limits of what autonomous systems can achieve. If you’re passionate about creating transformative technology and want to be part of a team that’s shaping the future of defense capabilities, we want to hear from you. Join us in our quest to develop game‑changing aerial systems that are redefining what’s possible in tactical reconnaissance and strike operations.
The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team within TRS performs implementation, analysis, test, and validation for GNC software solutions supporting our autonomous drone fleet. Applications include attitude and position control, waypoint and terminal guidance engagements, and navigating contested environments including communication and GPS denied environments.
ABOUT THE JOB This role will focus on guidance related projects and involve usage and direct implementation of Guidance Navigation and Control work (GNC) and state‑of‑the‑art Computer Vision (CV). You will be involved at the earliest stage of product development and help shape the capabilities set of the platform to achieve consistent mission success on a hyper‑scalable platform developed on an aggressive timeline. We are a fast‑growing company at the early stages of our growth, and you will be expected to own important deliverables with tight deadlines during your time on the team, which will have a significant impact on the company’s trajectory. Anduril fosters a diverse, collaborative culture with plenty of opportunities for ownership and professional growth.
This position will be on‑site at our Costa Mesa, CA location. (relocation benefits provided.)
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Develop guidance algorithms (terminal and midcourse) and state estimators for group 1‑3 UAV platforms
Work closely with the flight software and computer vision team to define requirements, develop GNC software and validate functionality in simulation on aggressive timelines
Review test data captured from the flight control system, subsystems, and other test instrumentation to verify vehicle performance, evaluate GNC algorithm/controller behavior, or debug incidents during testing or from fielded assets
Develop models required to support functional evaluation of GNC software
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a focus on dynamic systems and control
3+ years professional experience in a GNC role, preferably focusing on missile or weapons systems
Experience with tactical guidance algorithms and target state estimation development
Experience with state estimation and filtering – Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, complementary filters, etc.
Experience in modeling and simulation of linear and nonlinear dynamic systems and model linearization
Experience coding in Matlab and Simulink
C/C++ proficiency
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a focus on dynamic systems and control
5+ years professional experience in a GNC role, preferably focusing on missile or weapons systems
Experience with flight test and debugging GNC on UAV platforms
Experience with GNC design and analysis for fixed wing, rotary wing aircraft and/or tactical missile systems
Experience with seeker integration
Experience in one or more of the following: VIO, TERCOM, gimbal mount models, detection and tracking, LWIR/EO sensors, RADAR, target motion models
Experience with Simulink Embedded Coder
US Salary Range: $191,000—$253,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full‑time offers; and are considered part of Anduril’s total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top‑tier benefits for full‑time employees, including:
Healthcare Benefits
US Roles:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
UK & AU Roles:
We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
IE Roles:
We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Additional Benefits
Income Protection:
Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Generous time off:
Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Family Planning & Parenting Support:
Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Mental Health Resources:
Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work‑life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Professional Development:
Annual reimbursement for professional development.
Commuter Benefits:
Company‑funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Relocation Assistance:
Available depending on role eligibility.
Retirement Savings Plan
US Roles:
Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after‑tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
UK & IE Roles:
Pension plan with employer match.
AUS Roles:
Superannuation plan.
The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.
To view Anduril’s candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
ABOUT THE TEAM In Anduril’s Tactical Recon and Strike (TRS) division, we’re pushing the boundaries of aerial drone technology. We’re the driving force behind groundbreaking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt, and Altius, taking them from concept to fully operational systems that are reshaping the landscape of defense and security. Our team tackles the entire spectrum of small drone development (Group 1‑3), from the drones themselves to the critical equipment needed for testing, deployment, and operation. We thrive on solving complex challenges, collaborating with specialist teams to deliver cutting‑edge solutions for our customers. In TRS, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation, working with state‑of‑the‑art technology and pushing the limits of what autonomous systems can achieve. If you’re passionate about creating transformative technology and want to be part of a team that’s shaping the future of defense capabilities, we want to hear from you. Join us in our quest to develop game‑changing aerial systems that are redefining what’s possible in tactical reconnaissance and strike operations.
The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team within TRS performs implementation, analysis, test, and validation for GNC software solutions supporting our autonomous drone fleet. Applications include attitude and position control, waypoint and terminal guidance engagements, and navigating contested environments including communication and GPS denied environments.
ABOUT THE JOB This role will focus on guidance related projects and involve usage and direct implementation of Guidance Navigation and Control work (GNC) and state‑of‑the‑art Computer Vision (CV). You will be involved at the earliest stage of product development and help shape the capabilities set of the platform to achieve consistent mission success on a hyper‑scalable platform developed on an aggressive timeline. We are a fast‑growing company at the early stages of our growth, and you will be expected to own important deliverables with tight deadlines during your time on the team, which will have a significant impact on the company’s trajectory. Anduril fosters a diverse, collaborative culture with plenty of opportunities for ownership and professional growth.
This position will be on‑site at our Costa Mesa, CA location. (relocation benefits provided.)
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Develop guidance algorithms (terminal and midcourse) and state estimators for group 1‑3 UAV platforms
Work closely with the flight software and computer vision team to define requirements, develop GNC software and validate functionality in simulation on aggressive timelines
Review test data captured from the flight control system, subsystems, and other test instrumentation to verify vehicle performance, evaluate GNC algorithm/controller behavior, or debug incidents during testing or from fielded assets
Develop models required to support functional evaluation of GNC software
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a focus on dynamic systems and control
3+ years professional experience in a GNC role, preferably focusing on missile or weapons systems
Experience with tactical guidance algorithms and target state estimation development
Experience with state estimation and filtering – Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, complementary filters, etc.
Experience in modeling and simulation of linear and nonlinear dynamic systems and model linearization
Experience coding in Matlab and Simulink
C/C++ proficiency
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a focus on dynamic systems and control
5+ years professional experience in a GNC role, preferably focusing on missile or weapons systems
Experience with flight test and debugging GNC on UAV platforms
Experience with GNC design and analysis for fixed wing, rotary wing aircraft and/or tactical missile systems
Experience with seeker integration
Experience in one or more of the following: VIO, TERCOM, gimbal mount models, detection and tracking, LWIR/EO sensors, RADAR, target motion models
Experience with Simulink Embedded Coder
US Salary Range: $191,000—$253,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full‑time offers; and are considered part of Anduril’s total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top‑tier benefits for full‑time employees, including:
Healthcare Benefits
US Roles:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
UK & AU Roles:
We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
IE Roles:
We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Additional Benefits
Income Protection:
Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Generous time off:
Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Family Planning & Parenting Support:
Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Mental Health Resources:
Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work‑life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Professional Development:
Annual reimbursement for professional development.
Commuter Benefits:
Company‑funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Relocation Assistance:
Available depending on role eligibility.
Retirement Savings Plan
US Roles:
Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after‑tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
UK & IE Roles:
Pension plan with employer match.
AUS Roles:
Superannuation plan.
The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.
To view Anduril’s candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
#J-18808-Ljbffr