The Role
The Head of GNC will define GNC requirements, develop and validate GNC algorithms, oversee system integration, mentor engineers, and address complex technical challenges in missile defense systems.
Summary Generated by Built In
Long Wall Company was created in 2024 to accelerate missile defense technology for the U.S. and our allies. Building on the RS1 and GS0 launch systems, Long Wall develops containerized, mass-producible missile defense systems and offers rapid, low-cost flight testing. We believe that the future of global security and stability require defensive technology that is lower cost, higher performing, better tested, and more broadly distributed than is possible today. Join us.
What we look for
Mission-Driven Problem Solvers. The aerospace frontier demands ingenuity. We want Team members who approach challenges with curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and stay focused on delivering the best solution for the mission.
Total Ownership. We seek staff and engineers who take full responsibility for contributing to and delivering flight-ready work while recognizing that no one succeeds alone. The best engineers, corporate professionals, and technicians make their teammates better. Knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success.
A Head of GNC knows not only how to steer vehicles under both endo- and exo-atmospheric conditions but can also lead across teams to push complex problems toward reliable, simple, robust solutions. You will have the opportunity to be a key member of a small team of mechanical, fluid, and electrical engineers working to develop innovative deployable launch solutions that enable the rapid deployment of Long Wall launch and test systems. This is a role that contributes to every mission and every flight we fly as we continue to reimagine the future of missile defense systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Define, document, and refine GNC requirements to support mission and trajectory objectives.
- Develop, analyze, and validate GNC algorithms, models, and software to ensure system performance.
- Direct test planning, procedure development, and execution for GNC validation.
- Conduct modeling, simulation, and "Hardware in the Loop" (HITL) testing to verify design integrity.
- Oversee system integration, troubleshooting, and resolution of anomalies.
- Define and support avionics and sensor requirements, including IMUs and control actuators (e.g., thrust vector control, throttle valves).
- Perform mission-specific analysis for launches and contribute to business development efforts.
- Mentor junior engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering skill development.
- Take initiative in addressing complex technical challenges and driving innovation in GNC solutions.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- B.S. degree from an accredited university
- 6+ years of experience in the development of aircraft, missile, spacecraft or similar vehicle GNC system
PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCES:
- M.S. or PhD degree from an accredited university
- Demonstrated skills in modeling, simulation, and analysis software such as MATLAB/Simulink and
- Experience in at least one or more high-level programming languages (e.g. C, C++, or FORTRAN)
- Experience modeling of interception control systems
- Experience with hypersonic flight regime control systems
- Proficiency in trajectory planning/design and optimization algorithms or tools (e.g. POST2)
- Day of launch or on-orbit systems support including launch limits and loads/GNC capabilities evaluation
- Demonstrated leadership of or within a small project team
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex and difficult technical problems with simple robust solutions
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
- Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
- Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and telepresence
- Ability to pick up to 50lbs
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
ITAR Requirement
This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.
Skills Required
- B.S. degree from an accredited university
- 6+ years of experience in GNC system development
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The Company
What We Do
Long Wall is an American aerospace company based in Long Beach, California, that specializes in developing and manufacturing deployable launch vehicles and infrastructure for missile defense. Formerly known as ABL Space Systems, the company focuses on creating containerized, mass-producible missile defense systems and providing rapid, low-cost flight testing to enhance global security and stability through advanced defensive technology.
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