Senior GNC Engineer

Darwin has partnered with a fast-paced startup in the Bay Area, and we are looking for a Senior GNC Engineer to join their small, growing team.

As a Senior GNC Engineer, you will develop the control, estimation, and guidance algorithms that fly rockets. You’ll work across all aspects of GNC, collaborating with propulsion, avionics, and operations teams to ensure the vehicle is built, tested, and operated to successfully launch, fly, and deploy its payload to the target orbit.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop GNC algorithms, simulation models, and trajectories

• Build test automation across Simulink, hardware-in-the-loop, and integrated vehicles

• Support launches from mission control and manage GNC responsibilities during countdown

• Analyze flight and ground test data to improve system performance and simulation fidelity

• Own large aspects of the GNC system end-to-end

What We Value:

• 5+ years in aerospace vehicle GNC development and simulation

• Advanced degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or equivalent

• Matlab/Simulink and C++ or Python experience

• Hands-on experience with simulation frameworks and flight software integration

• Strong communication, technical feedback, and mentoring skills

• Excited to thrive in a fast-paced, self-driven startup environment

Ideal Candidates:

• Engineers with cross-functional experience who want to directly impact flight performance

• Proven ownership of GNC systems from development through flight

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Kimberley Govender