GNC Engineer

Apollyon Dynamics is developing autonomous fixed-wing UAVs, VTOL platforms, and defence-grade flight systems. We are looking for a GNC Engineer with a strong hands-on background to own flight control, navigation, and guidance across our vehicle programs. This is a technical role with real ownership from architecture through to flight test.

Experience with autopilot development and a demonstrated contribution to open-source flight stacks is expected. Responsibilities Define and own GNC architecture across vehicle programs, driving requirements into avionics, embedded, and mechanical teams Develop 6-DOF flight dynamic models and tune PID, LQR, MPC, and adaptive controllers across the full flight envelope Implement guidance algorithms for waypoint navigation, autonomous takeoff and landing, terrain following, and mission autonomy Develop and customise autopilot firmware, covering hardware bring-up, integration, and flight-ready software delivery Actively contribute to PX4 and/or ArduPilot open-source projects — merged PRs and module development are valued Design and maintain sensor fusion pipelines and state estimators (EKF / UKF / Particle Filter) integrating IMU, GNSS, vision, LiDAR, and radar Plan and execute SIL / PIL / HIL validation campaigns through to flight clearance Requirements 5–10 years of experience in GNC, flight controls, or autonomous systems on real platforms Strong foundation in flight mechanics, stability, and control theory Proficient in MATLAB / Simulink, Python, and C++ Practical experience with PX4 and/or ArduPilot, ROS2, Gazebo, and JSBSim Demonstrated EKF / UKF implementation experience on fielded flight systems Hands-on autopilot development experience, from hardware bring-up to firmware Proven track record contributing to PX4 or ArduPilot — open-source contributions are a requirement, not a preference Experience planning and executing HIL / SIL campaigns and analysing flight test telemetry B.Tech / M.Tech in Aerospace, Control Systems, Robotics, Avionics, or a related discipline Preferred Background High-speed UAVs or defence platform experience GPS-denied or EW-resilient navigation Vision-based autonomy and onboard perception Redundant avionics architecture Working knowledge of DO-178C