zone5technologies logo

Guidance Navigation Controls (GNC) Engineer III/IV

zone5technologies United States


No Relocation

Posted: June 17, 2026

Job Description

We are currently looking for a GNC Engineer III/IV to join our software and flight test group in San Luis Obispo, CA. In this role, you'll play a crucial part in designing, analyzing, and building flight controls software for UAS. You will work closely with the engineering team to develop new software components, build models in Matlab/Simulink, run high-fidelity SW and HW in the loop simulations, and generate auto-code for embedded systems. Peer review and effective communication across disciplines are critical to improving the design cycle.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, analyze, and build flight controls software for groups 1 to 4 UAS
  • Develop software components for deployment to flight test
  • Create and modify software modules in the Zone 5 avionics suite
  • Perform controls analysis to assess stability and performance
  • Run high-fidelity SW and HW in the loop simulations
  • Generate auto-code for embedded systems
  • Design ground tests to verify the function of new features
  • Support integration and test of aircraft for flight test
  • Conduct peer reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in flight controls engineering for UAS
  • Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field
  • Experience with Group 1-4 UAS flight controls software design
  • Knowledge of embedded systems and auto-code generation
  • Ability to mentor and train junior engineers

Pay Range by Level for Remote Employees

Level III - $131,000 - $158,000

Level IV - $158,000 - $188,000

#LI-AW1

 

Additional Content

We are currently looking for a GNC Engineer III/IV to join our software and flight test group in San Luis Obispo, CA. In this role, you'll play a crucial part in designing, analyzing, and building flight controls software for UAS. You will work closely with the engineering team to develop new software components, build models in Matlab/Simulink, run high-fidelity SW and HW in the loop simulations, and generate auto-code for embedded systems. Peer review and effective communication across disciplines are critical to improving the design cycle.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, analyze, and build flight controls software for groups 1 to 4 UAS
  • Develop software components for deployment to flight test
  • Create and modify software modules in the Zone 5 avionics suite
  • Perform controls analysis to assess stability and performance
  • Run high-fidelity SW and HW in the loop simulations
  • Generate auto-code for embedded systems
  • Design ground tests to verify the function of new features
  • Support integration and test of aircraft for flight test
  • Conduct peer reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in flight controls engineering for UAS
  • Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field
  • Experience with Group 1-4 UAS flight controls software design
  • Knowledge of embedded systems and auto-code generation
  • Ability to mentor and train junior engineers

Pay Range by Level for Remote Employees

Level III - $131,000 - $158,000

Level IV - $158,000 - $188,000

#LI-AW1