At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge algorithms for autonomous drones in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a pioneering team at MARSS Group, leading the way in defence and space manufacturing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, hybrid work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Entry-level position with potential for rapid career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of drone technology and enhance your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or Computer Science; Python expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
This role focuses on designing, developing, and implementing next-generation targeting algorithms for high-performance autonomous drones. The ideal candidate will be a specialist in creating sophisticated control strategies for agile aerial platforms.
Main Responsibilities
- Algorithm Development: Design and implement advanced guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms, with a primary focus on skid-to-turn (STT) control for high-g manoeuvring and precision targeting.
- Behavioural Logic: Develop complex mission logic, tactical decision-making, and targeting sequences using Behaviour Trees.
- Prototyping & Simulation: Rapidly prototype, simulate, and validate algorithms using Python and its scientific computing stack (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib).
- System Integration: Integrate, test, and deploy GNC software on hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testbeds and flight hardware running the PX4 autopilot stack.
- Performance Analysis: Analyse simulation and flight test data to refine algorithm performance, ensuring robustness and reliability in dynamic environments.
Requirements
- Educational Background: A degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related technical field. A Masters or PhD is highly desirable.
- STT Specialism: Deep theoretical and practical knowledge of skid-to-turn guidance and control. You must understand the kinematics and be able to derive and implement the necessary control laws, such as commanding lateral acceleration based on velocity and flight path angle rate.
- Python Proficiency: Expert-level programming skills in Python for algorithm development, modelling, and data analysis.
- Behaviour Trees Expertise: Proven experience designing, implementing, and debugging complex autonomous behaviours using Behaviour Trees.
- PX4 Experience: Demonstrable, hands-on experience working with the PX4 flight control stack, including familiarity with its architecture, modules, and simulation tools (SITL/HIL).
- Core GNC Knowledge: Strong foundation in classical and modern control theory, vehicle dynamics, state estimation (e.g., Kalman filters), and navigation principles.
- Security Clearance: Due to the security requirements of this role, applicants must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance, which typically requires British citizenship.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing
Guidance Control & Navigation (GCN) Engineer employer: MARSS Group
As a leading employer in the aerospace and defence sector, we offer a dynamic work environment in Bristol that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through hands-on project ownership and opportunities to shape engineering processes, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance with flexible working arrangements. Join us to be part of a diverse team where your contributions are valued and respected, making a meaningful impact on cutting-edge technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Guidance Control & Navigation (GCN) 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 MARSS Group for a Guidance Control & Navigation (GCN) 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 Guidance Control & Navigation (GCN) Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at MARSS Group, 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 MARSS Group, 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 MARSS Group
✨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 MARSS Group.
✨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 MARSS Group. 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 MARSS Group love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
