Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop cutting-edge guidance algorithms for UAVs and ensure reliable flight in dynamic environments.
- Company: Join Cambridge Aerospace, a fast-growing defence tech company on a mission to protect Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, stock options, private medical, dental, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building technology that addresses critical global security challenges.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field; strong programming skills in Python and C++.
- Other info: Dynamic R&D environment with opportunities for rapid growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As a Guidance & Navigation Engineer, you will develop the guidance, navigation and control capability that determines how our vehicles move, manoeuvre, and reach their objectives. From mission‑level requirements through algorithm design and implementation, you will build the logic that enables precise, reliable flight in dynamic environments. Your work will take critical guidance systems from early concepts into tested, deployable capability supporting air defence platforms from development through operational use.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement guidance algorithms for trajectory generation, path following, and mission execution
- Design navigation and state estimation algorithms for UAVs, with emphasis on GPS‑denied environments
- Work on detection, tracking, and sensor fusion (e.g., IR, IMU, radar, LiDAR)
- Integrate GN algorithms with control and perception systems
- Build and validate solutions using SIL and HITL setups before deployment
- Analyse flight data to refine algorithms and ensure robust, reliable performance
- Collaborate across hardware, control, and perception teams to deliver full autonomy
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related field
- Strong knowledge of guidance, navigation, and state estimation methods (e.g., EKF, UKF, particle filters, visual‑inertial odometry)
- Experience with detection and tracking of objects using onboard sensors
- Proficiency in Python and C++ for algorithm development and deployment
- Familiarity with ROS2, sensor fusion frameworks, and simulation tools
- Background in UAV dynamics and autonomous systems
Preferred Qualifications/Experience
- Experience in fast‑paced R&D or startup environments, with rapid prototype iteration times
- Experience in GPS‑denied navigation (e.g., VIO, SLAM, radar/vision‑aided navigation)
- Knowledge of multi‑sensor fusion (IMU, GNSS, vision, LiDAR, radar)
- Hands‑on experience with UAV platforms (simulation and/or flight testing)
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation and stock options
- Private Medical & Dental
- Cycle to work scheme
About Us
The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air – low‑cost drones and cruise missiles now manufactured in colossal volumes by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending the world as we know it, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade every existing defence. We’re building low‑cost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems to detect and target them – at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands, and with sovereign supply chains that assure delivery. We have immense backing from the world’s best venture funds. We’re one of the fastest growing defence technology companies in history. And we’re hiring the best engineers to prosecute the mission. If you are in the top 1%, willing to work harder than you ever have, build technology better than anyone else, and contribute to the defining challenge of our time, now is the time to join us.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.
Guidance & Navigation Engineer in Cambridge employer: Cambridge Aerospace
Contact Detail:
Cambridge Aerospace Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Guidance & Navigation Engineer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aerospace and defence sectors, especially those who work at Cambridge Aerospace. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got projects or experiences related to guidance algorithms or UAVs, create a portfolio or a GitHub repo. This way, you can demonstrate your expertise beyond just your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of state estimation methods and sensor fusion. Practise explaining complex concepts simply; it shows you really understand your stuff!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our mission to tackle the challenges in air defence.
We think you need these skills to ace Guidance & Navigation Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in guidance, navigation, and control systems. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’re a perfect fit for the role!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Include specific examples of projects where you’ve used Python, C++, or worked with UAVs. We want to see how you’ve applied your knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering and how your background aligns with our mission. Make it personal and engaging!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Aerospace
✨Know Your Algorithms
Brush up on your guidance and navigation algorithms, especially those related to trajectory generation and state estimation. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied methods like EKF or UKF in previous projects, as this will show your depth of knowledge and practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Coding Skills
Since proficiency in Python and C++ is crucial, prepare to demonstrate your coding skills. You might be asked to solve a problem on the spot, so practice writing clean, efficient code that reflects your understanding of algorithm development and deployment.
✨Understand the Hardware
Familiarise yourself with UAV dynamics and the specific hardware used in guidance systems. Being able to discuss how your algorithms integrate with control and perception systems will impress the interviewers and show that you can think holistically about the technology.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Think about past experiences where you worked in fast-paced R&D environments or dealt with GPS-denied navigation. Be ready to share specific examples of challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will highlight your problem-solving skills and adaptability.