Specter Aerospace

Develops plasma-assisted propulsion for aerospace defense

Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer 1/2

Flight Dynamics & GNCConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timePeabody, MA, USANo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another related discipline is required.
Zero to three years of relevant full-time experience is required.
Experience developing modeling and simulation tools, including six degree-of-freedom simulations of high-speed systems, is required.
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB is required.
Understanding of guidance, navigation, and control fundamentals and applications to high-speed flight is required.
Experience with both classical and modern control methods is required.
Ability to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance is required; U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

Support development of six degree-of-freedom simulations using C++.
Design and evaluate guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for control of high-speed airbreathing vehicles.
Perform guidance, navigation, and control-related analyses of high-speed airbreathing vehicles to assess flight performance.
Develop software- and hardware-in-the-loop capabilities to aid in design, analysis, and verification of high-speed systems.
Support trajectory optimization and analysis efforts involving three- and six-degree-of-freedom simulations.
Coordinate with the modeling and simulation team to support survivability and employment analyses in a classified setting.
Perform other duties as assigned by the company.

Desired Qualifications

A master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline is preferred.
Two or more years of relevant full-time experience is preferred.
Experience transitioning guidance algorithms from development to flight is preferred.
Experience with C++ is preferred.
Experience supporting ground and flight test efforts, including software- and hardware-in-the-loop activities, is preferred.
An active Department of Defense security clearance is preferred.

Role Summary

Specter Aerospace is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer I/II to support the design and analysis of high-speed airbreathing testbed vehicles. A successful candidate will have prior experience developing GNC algorithms for high-speed and hypersonic flight systems, developing and analyzing six degree-of-freedom simulations, and supporting the transition from development to flight.

About Specter Aerospace

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. With offices in Boston and Peabody, MA, Specter leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Our GNC Engineer I/II will be based in our Peabody office. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

Role & Responsibilities

Support development of six degree-of-freedom (6DOF) simulations using C++

Design and evaluate GNC algorithms for the control of high-speed airbreathing vehicles

Perform GNC-related analyses of high-speed airbreathing vehicles to assess flight performance

Develop software-/hardware-in-the-loop (SWIL/HWIL) capabilities to aid in design, analysis, and verification of high-speed systems

Support trajectory optimization and analysis efforts (3DOF/6DOF)

Coordinate with modeling and simulation team to support survivability/employment analyses in a classified setting

Other duties as assigned by the company

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline

0-3 years of relevant full-time experience

Experience developing modeling and simulation tools, including 6DOF simulations of high-speed systems

Proficient in Python or MATLAB

Understanding of GNC fundamentals and applications to high-speed flight

Experienced in both classical and modern control methods

Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline

2+ years of relevant full-time experience

Experience transitioning guidance algorithms from development to flight

Experience with C++

Experience supporting ground and flight test efforts including SWIL/HWIL activities

Active DoD security clearance

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

About the Company

Specter Aerospace

Develops plasma-assisted propulsion for aerospace defense

Specter Aerospace develops propulsion technologies for aerospace and defense, focusing on plasma-assisted combustion and hypersonic propulsion. The company designs advanced propulsion systems to improve jet engine efficiency and performance for high-speed flight. Its approach uses plasma to assist combustion, enabling more stable and efficient engine operation at high speeds, which is especially valuable for hypersonic vehicles. Unlike many competitors, Specter Aerospace emphasizes partnerships and contracting with government agencies (notably the DoD) and collaborates with other aerospace players, supported by both government funding and venture capital. The company aims to advance practical, propulsion-powered capabilities for defense and aerospace needs, driving more efficient engines and enabling reliable hypersonic performance.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Grant
Total funding: $14.4M
Headquarters: Peabody, KS
Founded: 2013

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