The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. · Houston, TX

Software Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer for Space Applications — Houston, TX

Full-timeHouston, TX$75,000–$156,000/yearPosted 2026-07-20Apply on Workday
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Full job description

Overview:

Job Description Summary:

The Software Guidance Navigation and Control Engineer 2 develops software for cutting-edge space and defense systems used by the US Government and commercial customers as well as internal R&D projects. A Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Engineer develops, integrates, and deploys advanced GN&C algorithms and software for systems able to operate in complex environments such as underwater, ground, air, and space..

Job Description

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.
  • Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
  • Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms.
  • Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
  • Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
  • Evaluates results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficient or problems.
  • Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
  • Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.
  • Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
  • Participates in tag-ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
  • Derives task-level or component-level requirements from system requirements.
  • Independently contributes high quality content for technical reports and presentations which shows an understanding of their task and an awareness of the intended audience.
  • Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

  • Proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++ or other related tools.
  • Proficient in basic software development standards.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Foundational knowledge of autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) technology.
  • Knowledge of real-time software development tools.
  • Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real-time algorithms and software.
  • Strong background in control systems theory.
  • Written and verbal communication is clear and concise.
  • Clearly communicates work assignments to team members.

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.
  • Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred.

Experience

3-5 years of Software Engineering or related experience is required.

Additional Job Description:

Strong background in control systems theory and/or state estimation using various filtering techniques.

3-5 years of GN&C Algorithm / Software Engineering or related experience is required.

Job Location - City:

Houston

Job Location - State:

Texas

Job Location - Postal Code:

77058-2900