Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Topeka, KS (NOW HIRING)

Worker Type

Regular

The Sr. GNC Engineer ensures the engineering needs are met and assists in planning and deployment of the design of components and their integration into systems. This role encompasses a multi-disciplinary background to include GN&C (60%), flight testing (20%), PCB Design (5%), Software (5%) and other projects (10%). This role supports development of technical proposals and project estimates, drives technical and engineering conflicts to resolution and ensures the engineering needs of their assigned product development projects are met.

• Document designs and analyses with written reports, presentations, and Engineering drawings
• Characterize, analyze, test, and troubleshoot control system hardware and software subsystems
• Develop and maintain tools to perform robot test data reduction and analysis
• Perform linearization of nonlinear models, and linear and non-linear controls analysis and algorithm design for stability, robustness, and performance
• Analyze systems and flight test data to support model improvements and root cause investigation of failures and anomalies
• Participate in and lead GN&C-related design requirements development and design reviews
• Help develop and maintain reusable software and GN&C design components and integrate into new designs
• Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors
• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel (Team Lead)
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 8+ years’ of combined experience in aircraft design, GN&C, flight testing, systems engineering and program management
• Demonstrated hands‑on attitude with a broad range of development experience
• Has a comprehensive knowledge of engineering disciplines and prior experience leading the development of many of these systems for manned or unmanned air vehicles: Autopilot hardware and software; Flight control hardware and software; Part 23 & part 27 aircraft certification; Ground control communications hardware and software; Ground control support equipment; Air vehicle subsystems integration & test; Air vehicle systems communications hardware and software; High voltage electrical power systems
• Travel within the continental U.S. is required to support flight test operations (up to 20%)

• Advanced degree is preferred, if candidate has less required experience.
• Having wide‑ranging experience, uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways
• Understanding of frequency domain and state space representations of dynamic systems
• Understanding of linear controls design and analysis tools and techniques
• Understanding of robotic dynamics and control concepts
• Understanding of basic aircraft and helicopter flight dynamics a plus
• Familiarity with aided inertial navigation systems concepts and techniques
• Understanding of classical and modern controls design and analysis approaches
• Familiar with Monte Carlo, hardware‑in‑the‑loop, and/or 6DOF simulation environments
• Able to excel in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Has effective problem‑solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

• Ability to work in an office and R&D environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$111,500 - $158,025

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR section 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements. U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

• medical
• dental vision
• 401K with company matching
• a 9/80 work schedule
• a paid holiday shutdown

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission‑obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology - we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian - but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters - with speed, scale, and purpose - there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.