Guidance, Control and Navigation (GCN) Engineer

What’s the opportunity?

There is an opportunity for an experienced Guidance, Control and Navigation Engineer to join a dynamic team working on fast-moving and challenging projects. The team are responsible for algorithm development and proving across a range of Defence projects, particularly focusing on:

• Autopilots and control systems
• Mid-Course guidance
• Terminal and Homing Guidance
• Propulsion control
• Integrated Navigation
• Data fusion
• Command and Control
• Mission Planning algorithms 

Algorithms are developed at many stages of the lifecycle of the product including:

• Research studies, both externally and internally funded
• Algorithms to support initial missile feasibility and concept studies
• Algorithms in support of assessment and development programmes

• GCN Engineers are involved in all stages of the lifecycle and play a central role in our product development.  

What will you be doing?

• You will be responsible for the development of specific algorithms or studies to support a key programme within MBDA
• Responsibilities can include concept studies, algorithm design and trade-off studies, trials preparation, trials analysis and reporting, architecture definition, algorithm and model validation
• You will be autonomous and will be able to act as a point of contact for GCN’s interactions with the other project teams e.g. Simulation and Modelling, Software, Navigation Sensors, Hardware-in-the Loop, Systems Design & Validation and Technical Quality
• You will perform technical analyses and investigations into a full range of issues and problems along with preparing and developing solutions either individually or as a member of a project team
• You will engage with the algorithm users, understand and respond to their needs and ensure that the algorithms are fit for their intended use

 
What are the benefits for you?

• You will gain an in-depth knowledge of the design and functionality of MBDA’s complex weapon systems through your model development work. You will understand how GCN supports our weapon system products and gain insight into a number of related disciplines with whom we have a high level of interactions (e.g. Simulation and Modelling, Software, Hardware-in-the Loop, Systems Design & Validation, Seekers & Sensors, Technical Quality).
• You will play a key role in the development of our complex weapon systems and have the opportunity to work within one of the international functions in MBDA.

 
What’s great about joining this team?

• GCN Teams have a central role in the concept definition and development of our products,  working across all MBDA UK products, giving depth of experience and opportunity to all team members
• You will be joining a hard-working team with a successful track record in achieving project milestones on time and on budget.
• Frequent exposure to high-profile, fast-paced projects

 
What are we looking for from you?

• An appropriate good Degree or Masters with a strong mathematical content e.g. Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics
• Relevant experience of applicable algorithms i.e. Guidance, Control, Data Fusion, Navigation, Image Processing.
• Ideally knowledge and experience of some of the following:
  • flight dynamics and aerodynamics
  • sensors (e.g. IMUs, GPS, RF and IR seekers)
  • actuation systems in relation to autopilot design and servo control.

• Ideally knowledge and experience of the following:
  • The MathWorks products – specifically Simulink, Embedded MATLAB and Stateflow
  • C, FORTRAN and Ada

In addition, you will:

• be driven and be capable of working on your own initiative with a minimum of supervision, as well as within an algorithm development team working transversally with other functions
• have the ability to visualise and analyse complex systems
• have practical knowledge of basic systems engineering principles and processes
• be able to work with engineering teams, including in-house and contractor personnel
• have good understanding of, and good working experience in all phases of the engineering life cycle

We would welcome interest from many industries including: avionics and aerospace, computer vision, robotics, autonomous systems within the mobile phone industry and within the GNSS industry.
 
What would you get?

Competitive salary, flexible working, paid overtime (subject to level), a comprehensive pension scheme, employee funded voluntary private healthcare, sporting activities, fantastic site facilities, bonus schemes (subject to level) and superb learning and development opportunities.
  
Please Note: MBDA UK requires all employees to achieve and maintain SC security clearance or above without restrictions that will inhibit the individual’s ability to fulfil the requirements of the role. Your eligibility for the appropriate level of security clearance may be discussed with you during the recruitment process. Any existing clearance holders may be able to transfer clearance (subject to approval).
MBDA is committed to providing an inclusive working environment where our employees can be themselves and everyone has equal opportunity to reach their full potential. We value difference and know that a diverse community makes for greater innovation and brings a breadth of skills, experience and perspectives.
 
We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements.  MBDA is a proud member of Working Families – the UK’s work-life balance organisation.
 
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