Sr. Principal GNC Engineer

Posted An Hour Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Maple Grove, MN, USA
Hybrid
133K-226K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Where purpose connects.
The Role
Designs, evaluates, and integrates guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for precision-guided munition systems. Responsibilities include sensor and seeker integration, Kalman filtering, flight-test support, modeling and simulation, digital signal processing, performance prediction, and post-flight analysis. The role also manages technical project scope, staffing, schedules, budgets, requirements, trade studies, and customer-facing technical deliverables.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Description
What's it like working for a company knowing that what you do protects what really matters and makes a difference in people's lives? Inspiring.
At BAE Systems, we believe in work-life balance, and this position works a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off. BAE Systems is looking for an experienced Guidance, Navigation and Controls Engineer to work on a team of GNC Engineers solving complex problems and bringing new technologies to market.
This is a technical position performing guidance, navigation and control algorithm design and assessment for precision guided munition systems from concept to deployment who also project managers the scope of work and budget and helping keep the project staffed appropriately. The primary focus of this position is keeping technical projects on track. The Guidance, Navigation and Control Group is responsible for all requirements, trade studies, algorithm designs and performance assessments required to develop products that navigate, guide and fly precisely and accurately.
In this position, you will:
  • Design, evaluation and optimization of aided navigation systems, target track filters, mid-course and terminal guidance algorithms
  • Assessment and integration of strapdown seekers, GPS receivers, radar data, and inertial measurement units
  • Flight test support, data reduction and verification
  • Use Kalman filtering, and other estimation techniques, to provided aided navigation solutions, target state estimates and other observers for guided flight
  • Apply digital signal processing techniques and navigation system error assessments to verify sensor and filter performance
  • Generate preflight performance predictions and adjust based on post flight reconstruction and evaluation
  • Develop, modify, and maintain software tools to include evaluation of nominal and Monte Carlo flight conditions at various levels of modeling fidelity
  • Prepare presentations, reports, research, and other contract artifacts related to designs, evaluations, and tests performed

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Typically a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or Applied Mathematics or Applied Physics and 8+ years of experience in Guidance, Navigation or Controls theory, test and evaluation.
  • Experience developing and verifying models in at least one area (ideally all areas) of concept flight systems and subsystems , radar systems, GPS/GNSS, launch platforms, inertial measurement units, magnetometers.
  • Experience managing technical projects including staffing, schedule and budget.
  • Experience performing systems engineering trade studies, assessment of alternatives, sensitivity evaluation, etc.
  • Extensive experience with modeling and simulation using Simulink and Matlab.
  • Proactive engineer with excellent interpersonal skills.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Experience as a technical lead within the GNC discipline.
  • Current Department of War Secret Clearance.
  • PhD in Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or Applied Mathematics or Applied Physics.
  • Experience with requirements, stability, and mission effectiveness analysis.
  • Proven experience at developing, testing, and refining flight algorithms (navigation filters, track filters, air data estimation, autopilots, guidance algorithms).
  • Recent task management experience in an engineering development environment (schedule and budget tracking/work package management) ideally Earned Value Management Systems.
  • Demonstrated experience interfacing with customers.
  • Working knowledge of C/C++.
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Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Applied Physics
  • 8+ years of experience in guidance, navigation, or controls theory, test, and evaluation
  • Experience developing and verifying models for flight systems and subsystems, radar systems, GPS/GNSS, launch platforms, inertial measurement units, or magnetometers
  • Experience managing technical projects, including staffing, schedules, and budgets
  • Experience performing systems engineering trade studies, alternatives assessments, and sensitivity evaluations
  • Extensive modeling and simulation experience using Simulink and MATLAB
  • Proactive engineering approach and excellent interpersonal skills
  • Experience as a technical lead within the guidance, navigation, and controls discipline
  • Current Department of War Secret Clearance
  • PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Applied Physics
  • Experience with requirements, stability, and mission effectiveness analysis
  • Experience developing, testing, and refining flight algorithms, including navigation filters, track filters, air data estimation, autopilots, and guidance algorithms
  • Recent task management experience in an engineering development environment, including schedule, budget, work package, or Earned Value Management Systems tracking
  • Experience interfacing with customers
  • Working knowledge of C/C++

What the Team is Saying

BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Healthcare Strength Medical, dental, and vision coverage is presented as comprehensive, paired with an EAP, fertility and transgender care options, and HSA‑compatible plans that can include employer contributions with coverage starting on day one in some cases. These resources are reinforced by wellness tools and immediate eligibility noted on official benefits materials.
  • Retirement Support A 401(k) savings plan is broadly available, with employer matching and other contributions that vary by business unit, and some U.S. employee groups retain pension arrangements. Company‑paid basic life insurance equal to 2x base salary (up to $1M) further strengthens financial security.
  • Parental & Family Support Paid parental leave (e.g., 160 hours for full‑time employees) sits alongside adoption and surrogacy reimbursement and Bright Horizons backup child and elder care. These benefits help reduce care gaps and complement PTO and applicable state programs.

BAE Systems, Inc. Insights

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The Company
HQ: Falls Church, VA
40,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1999

What We Do

Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do. As a leading aerospace, defense, and security company, we work together to deliver a full range of products and services for air, land, space, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. How we work is rooted in purpose – a purpose to protect those who protect us, to unite our community of colleagues and customers, and to drive forward the growth and development of our exceptional team members. It's where purpose connects.

Why Work With Us

We believe your career should be filled with innovation and discovery. And that's exactly what you'll find at BAE Systems. As you work to develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills and expand knowledge. On a sharp and collaborative team, you will be challenged – and supported – at every turn.

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About our Teams

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Hybrid Workspace

Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

As the work place continues to evolve, so do we. Remote and hybrid opportunities are available at BAE Systems depending on the nature of the role. Check your job requisition to learn more.

Typical time on-site: Not Specified
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