At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement algorithms for autonomous spacecraft and drones, ensuring optimal navigation and control.
- Company: Join SPAICE, a pioneering company in autonomy operating systems for aerospace and defence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with top-tier scientists and engineers on innovative projects in a fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on space missions and cutting-edge technology in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or related field; strong coding skills in C++ and Python.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
About SPAICE
SPAICE is building the autonomy operating system that empowers satellites and drones to navigate and interact with the world – regardless of the environment. From GPS-denied zones on Earth to the unexplored frontiers of space, our Spatial AI delivers unprecedented levels of autonomy, resilience, and adaptability. At SPAICE, you’ll work on real missions alongside leading aerospace and defense contractors, shaping the future of space and autonomous systems. If you're looking for a place where your work has a real, tangible impact – SPAICE is that place.
About the Role
Autonomous spacecraft and drones are only as good as the GNC stack behind them, the part that turns noisy sensor data and mission objectives into safe, optimal action under uncertainty. As a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer, you'll design and implement the estimation and control algorithms that make this possible: keeping platforms aware of their own state, planning their next move, and executing it reliably even when conditions are dynamic, contested, or only partially observable. You'll work alongside a top-tier team of GNC scientists and engineers, translating cutting-edge research into flight-ready code for space and defense missions.
What You Might Work On
- Design and implement state estimation algorithms, including Kalman filter variants and batch estimators, for relative and absolute navigation. This spans distributed satellite swarms tracking objects in orbit to multi-agent drone teams operating without GNSS.
- Develop guidance and control laws spanning classical feedback control, optimization-based approaches like model predictive control (MPC) and trajectory optimization, and robust techniques such as tube MPC. Applications include drone interception and optimal trajectory generation for satellite maneuvers.
- Build the estimation and control architecture for multi-agent coordination, covering formation flying, collaborative sensing, and distributed decision-making across satellites and drones working as a team.
- Take algorithms from concept to flight by implementing, testing, and tuning estimation and control code for real-time performance on resource-constrained hardware.
- Work as part of a larger team of GNC scientists and cross-disciplinary engineers, delivering well-tested, high-performance code into flight processors, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) setups, and real missions.
What We Are Looking For
- M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Control & Optimization, or a related field.
- Expertise in at least two of the following: state estimation (Kalman filtering, nonlinear/batch estimation), optimal control, trajectory optimization, robust control (e.g. tube MPC), multi-agent coordination and distributed control.
- Strong coding ability in C++ and Python, with experience implementing and validating estimation and control algorithms.
- A solid grasp of dynamics and the relevant math (linear algebra, probability and statistics, optimization) that estimation and control build on.
- Experience designing and running simulations to develop, test, and validate GNC algorithms before they reach hardware.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver well-tested, reliable work in collaborative, fast-moving environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Industry placements or working experience.
- Hands-on experience working with drones.
- Familiarity with flight stacks and protocols such as PX4, ArduPilot, and MAVLink.
- Familiarity with real-time embedded computing, flight software, or running estimation/control algorithms on resource-constrained hardware.
- Familiarity with optimization toolchains for real-time control (e.g. acados, CasADi, OSQP, CVXPY).
- Familiarity with data-driven or learning-based methods for estimation and control (e.g. reinforcement learning, learning-based MPC, system identification).
- Background in orbital dynamics.
- Publications in estimation, control, or autonomous navigation for aerospace or robotics, in journals and conferences (e.g. ACC, CDC, AIAA SciTech, IROS, ICRA, TAC, Automatica).
GNC Engineer in London employer: SPAICE
At SPAICE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among top-tier aerospace professionals. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced environment, where your contributions directly impact real missions in space and autonomous systems. Located at the forefront of aerospace advancements, SPAICE provides unique opportunities for meaningful work that shapes the future of navigation and control in challenging environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land GNC Engineer in London
✨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 SPAICE 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 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at SPAICE, 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 SPAICE, 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 SPAICE
✨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 SPAICE.
✨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 SPAICE. 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 SPAICE love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
