At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and test cutting-edge aerial autonomy systems for military applications.
- Company: Join a $15 billion Silicon Valley leader in physical AI and defence technology.
- Benefits: Flexible work schedule, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team with backgrounds from top tech and defence companies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security with innovative technology in aerial systems.
- Qualifications: Master's degree in relevant field and 6+ years of GNC software experience required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Applied Intuition, Inc. is powering the future of physical AI. Founded in 2017 and now valued at $15 billion, the Silicon Valley company is creating the digital infrastructure needed to bring intelligence to every moving machine on the planet. Applied Intuition services the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture industries in three core areas: tools and infrastructure, operating systems, and autonomy. Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers, as well as the United States military and its allies, trust the company's solutions to deliver physical intelligence.
Applied Intuition is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with offices in Washington, D.C.; San Diego; Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Ann Arbor, Michigan; London; Stuttgart; Munich; Stockholm; Bangalore; Seoul; and Tokyo. We are an in-office company, and our expectation is that full-time employees primarily work from their Applied Intuition office 5 days a week. However, we also recognize the importance of flexibility and trust our employees to manage their schedules responsibly. This may include occasional remote work, starting the day with morning meetings from home before heading to the office, or leaving earlier when needed to accommodate family commitments. This in-office expectation does not apply to contractor positions.
About Applied Intuition Defence: Applied Intuition UK is a software and infrastructure supplier that accelerates the deployment of next-generation autonomous capabilities to the warfighter across air, land, sea, and space. A subsidiary of Applied Intuition, we deliver dual-use solutions to national security customers that build upon several years of product development and experience from commercial autonomy programs. Based in London, our seasoned defence team hails from Palantir, Anduril, SpaceX, Google, Lockheed Martin, and the UK and US Armed Services.
About the role: As a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer at Applied, you'll be at the forefront of defense aerial autonomy. You'll design, integrate, and rigorously test core flight autonomy capabilities across the full range of aerial UAS platforms, from agile quadrotors to long-range fixed wings. Partnering with teams across the company, you'll create and adapt GNC algorithms to the unique requirements of each program, contributing directly to our core software stack so your work becomes a reusable capability that powers every program, not just one. The mission is bold and the stakes are real: you'll be engineering the systems that give our military an unmatched edge in the skies.
Key responsibilities:
- Write software that operates real autonomous aircraft systems including group 1-5 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as simulated models to accomplish tactical military missions.
- Build, leverage, and improve aerial autonomy software architectures that are ultimately tested and deployed on real systems to accomplish military missions.
- Collaborate with 3rd party UAS vehicle vendors to develop and integrate aerial autonomy software onto OEM hardware.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Master's degree in Aerospace, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or similar field.
- 6+ years of hands‑on experience developing GNC software for autonomous systems.
- Experience developing autonomy algorithms in C++.
- Experience developing or implementing outer-loop control systems or path planning algorithms.
- Strong foundation in control theory, dynamics, and optimization, with experience applying them to real-world autonomous systems.
- Experience developing and simulating 3DoF or 6DoF models of air vehicles to support GNC algorithm development.
- Experience with flight testing and performing data analysis.
- Experience with UAS GNC/navigation systems such as PX4 and Ardupilot.
- Strong functional, procedural, data‑oriented, and object‑oriented programming experience.
Additional Experience:
- Nice to have: Ability to use data visualization and debugging tools to support autonomy control development.
- Experience developing in Docker and containerized development environments, using Linux‑based operating systems (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu), source control systems, and artifact registries.
- Understanding of key technologies: C++, Python, DevOps, Containers, Linux.
- Familiarity with software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL) and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) development and testing.
- Experience with Bazel.
- Experience working projects related to national security for one or more government agencies.
- References who will describe them as low‑ego, highly motivated, thoughtfully opinionated.
Travel Requirements:
General willingness to travel for company business between our offices, as well as to customer sites.
Security Requirements:
Must have ability to hold UK Security Clearance (current or previous preferred).
GNC Engineer employer: applied
Applied in Woking is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, including professional development and the chance to lead impactful projects in the electrification sector. With a focus on teamwork and a commitment to employee well-being, Applied provides a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful contribution in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land GNC Engineer
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with applied for a GNC Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace GNC Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at applied, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At applied, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at applied
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with applied.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with applied. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like applied love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
