Navigation Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

The AD&D Advanced Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer will lead the development, integration, and validation of advanced flight control and navigation algorithms for next-generation aircraft systems. This role emphasizes early program development phases, collaborating closely with pilots and end-users to evaluate handling qualities and user experience. The engineer will design and simulate control systems, implement workload reducing flight control features, and develop next generation navigation and control capabilities. 

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Design, implement, and validate guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for fixed-wing aircraft.
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity nonlinear 6DOF simulation models for performance, stability, and control analysis, and validate against flight test data.
• Architect and tune advanced flight control systems, including envelope protection and augmented control features.
• Develop advanced software tools for navigation sensing and error correction.
• Collaborate with pilots and end-users during early development phases to evaluate handling qualities and user experience.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing environments.
• Perform system identification, parameter estimation, and regression analysis using flight test and simulation data.
• Implement trajectory generation and optimization algorithms for advanced mission planning.
• Develop fault detection, isolation, and recovery strategies for flight-critical systems.
• Collaborate with Flight Test teams to design and execute safe evaluation campaigns and envelope expansion.
• Participate in trade studies, design reviews, and certification planning activities.
• Ensure compliance with FAA/EASA certification standards and guidance.
• Document algorithms, simulation results, and validation reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to human-machine interface design for advanced flight control features.
• Foster a culture of rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration, learning from both success and failure.
• Support early phases of certification projects, including interfacing with civil aviation authorities and ODA members.
• Communicate complex ideas effectively and efficiently to diverse audiences.
• Travel up to 25% may be required.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in GNC development for aircraft.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for control system design and simulation.
• Strong understanding of classical and modern control theory, flight dynamics, and stability.
• Hands-on experience with simulation environments, HIL/SIL testing, and flight test integration.
• Ability to work effectively in early-stage development with iterative design cycles.
• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and technical communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FAA or EASA certification processes (DO-178C, ARP4754A/B, Part 23/25).
• Experience developing advanced flight control features and envelope protection systems.
• Experience designing intuitive pilot interfaces.
• Familiarity with sensor fusion techniques and advanced navigation algorithms.
• Experience with trajectory optimization, fault detection, and recovery strategies.
• Hands-on experience with pilot-in-the-loop evaluations and human factors considerations.
• Experience with ROS or similar robotics middleware.
• Knowledge of real-time embedded systems and software architecture for flight-critical applications.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines for control software and automation workflows.
• Startup or rapid development program experience.
• Pilot’s license or aviation experience is a plus.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

•  Strong technical leadership and ability to execute complex projects.
• Excellent analytical and debugging skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Innovation mindset and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required. 

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including: 

• 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting after one year of employment.
• Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
• Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
• Generous PTO: 120+ hours accrued within the first year.
• Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.