Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Description

Location: Lenexa, KS (On-site)

As a Modeling, Simulation, and GNC Engineer, you'll develop high-fidelity models, simulations, and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) solutions that support advanced aerospace and autonomous systems. You'll play a key role throughout the product lifecycle-from early concept development and system design to flight software implementation, verification, and flight testing-while collaborating across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

GuideTech is a subsidiary of Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PDYN), a U.S.-based defense and industrial technology company that delivers embodied AI-powered collaborative autonomy solutions, advanced avionics, precision-manufactured components, UAVs, and advanced aerospace design services.

At GuideTech, you'll contribute to technologies that support a diverse range of aerospace and defense platforms, including unmanned aircraft, launch vehicles, spacecraft, missiles, and other autonomous systems. Your work will help validate system performance, improve flight stability, and enable reliable autonomous operation in demanding real-world environments.

You'll thrive in this role if you enjoy applying engineering fundamentals to complex aerospace challenges, collaborating across technical disciplines, and using modeling and simulation to solve real-world problems.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the technical "showrunner" for flight-test activities by coordinating schedules, engineering teams, hardware readiness, test objectives, risks, and follow-up actions from planning through execution.
• Develop high-fidelity models and simulations for aerospace vehicle dynamics and flight control systems. 
• Design, implement, and evaluate guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms for simulation and flight software. 
• Perform trade studies and analyze vehicle performance using simulation tools. 
• Support the development, verification, and validation of simulation models and GNC software. 
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, software, systems engineering, and other cross-functional teams throughout vehicle development. 
• Support system design, integration, and flight testing activities. 
• Analyze simulation and test results to improve vehicle performance and stability. 
• Document modeling approaches, analysis, and test results clearly and concisely. 

What Makes Someone Successful Here

• You enjoy solving complex aerospace engineering challenges using modeling and simulation. 
• You communicate technical concepts clearly through documentation and collaboration. 
• You work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams. 
• You approach problems analytically while balancing practical engineering considerations. 
• You take ownership of your work and continuously seek opportunities to improve system performance. 
• You are curious, adaptable, and motivated to learn new technologies and approaches. 
• You are excited to contribute to advanced aerospace and autonomous systems. 

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 4+ years of relevant experience. 
• Familiarity with C++. 
• Ability to model aerospace vehicle dynamics and control systems. 
• Experience implementing guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms in simulations and flight software. 
• Experience utilizing simulations to perform trade studies and assess vehicle performance. 
• Experience with verification and validation testing of simulations. 
• Comfortable working with cross-functional teams, including aerodynamics, propulsion, software, and systems engineering. 
• Ability to document modeling, analysis, and test results clearly and concisely. 

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development opportunities

Work Authorization & Clearance

This position requires the ability to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship. Depending on the nature of the work, the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance may be required. Candidates may be asked to provide additional information relevant to clearance eligibility in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The Fine Print

No 3rd party candidates will be accepted. It is Palladyne AI's policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, local law.