Principal GNC Engineer

Who We Are:
Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role: Principal GNC Engineer 
Join us as a Principal GNC Engineer and help design, build and flight test revolutionary propulsion technology. Be the first GNC engineer to implement Thrust Vector Control on a Rotating Detonation Engine vehicle. A new rocket engine is being born and you’ll ensure this powerful new technology flies and maneuvers. You’ll lead the design of flight controls, collaborate with flight software, avionics, vehicle design and HITL teams. This role blends engineering leadership, hands‑on engineering, hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration to deliver reliable, flight‑ready systems. If you excel at systems thinking, solving hard problems, and driving technical leadership, you’ll thrive here. 

Architect, analyze, and implement a GN&C system for flight test vehicles 

Develop control laws and algorithms from conceptual design through simulation, testing, implementation, flight testing, and qualification 

Lead the development of GN&C analysis tools and techniques  

Work closely with Range Flight Safety and Flight Ops teams to gain range approvals for flight tests 

Develop flight test plans, support flight test events, conduct flight test data analysis 

Define, develop, and implement simulations and tools vital for analysis and verification 

Support hardware-in-the-loop testing, system qualification/certification, and flight readiness activities 

Degree in engineering or a related discipline 

10+ years GN&C experience 

7+ years of experience developing control systems in the aerospace or aviation industry 

Experience in verifying GN&C algorithm performance via simulation and flight test  

Deep knowledge of flight control and navigation sensor systems including modeling and analysis 

An obsession with testing and applying test data to formulate design 

Consummate verbal and written communication skills 

Demonstrated enthusiasm for cross-functional team success 

Demonstrated enthusiasm for mentoring and training early career engineers and technicians 

Demonstrated resilience and flexibility in the face of technical setbacks. 

Ability to meet ITAR requirements 

Experience in complex, nonlinear flight control design methods 

Demonstrated knowledge in both classical and modern control design techniques 

Good system engineering and configuration management skills 

Experience with rockets, missiles, or other aerospace vehicle systems 

Flight test experience 

Active DoD US government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one  

A personal passion for engineering as it applies to rockets, aircraft, and hypersonic travel