GNC Engineer, Modeling & Simulation

Department: Engineering

Location: Huntington Beach

Compensation: $135K – $185K • Offers Equity

Employment Type: FullTime

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach Industries is seeking a GNC Engineer, Modeling & Simulation to design, build, and maintain high-fidelity aircraft simulation environments in support of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) development. You will be responsible for realizing equations of motion in software, developing and validating aerodynamic and plant models, and creating the simulation infrastructure required for both software-in-the-loop (SITL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing.

This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of physics-based modeling, software development, and systems integration. You’ll collaborate closely with aerodynamicists, controls engineers, and hardware teams to ensure Mach’s autonomous platforms are accurately modeled and rigorously tested before flight.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain high-fidelity flight dynamics and vehicle simulation models.

• Implement equations of motion in C++ and Python for real-time and offline simulation environments.

• Collaborate with the aerodynamics team to incorporate aerodynamic models derived from CFD and wind tunnel testing.

• Perform system identification and parameter estimation to generate accurate plant models.

• Build and sustain simulation infrastructure supporting GNC verification and validation in SITL and HITL environments.

• Develop test harnesses, logging frameworks, and automated validation tools for simulation assets.

• Integrate with CI/CD pipelines to ensure continuous simulation regression testing and model integrity.

• Document and maintain model assumptions, configurations, and validation results.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics.

• 3+ years of experience developing and deploying navigation or simulation systems.

• Proficiency in C++ and Python, with strong understanding of software design for simulation environments.

• Experience using modern software development tools such as Git and Jira.

• Familiarity with CI/CD strategies and tools for code integration and automated testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience modeling fixed-wing aircraft dynamics and control systems.

• Deep understanding of atmospheric flight kinematics and aerodynamics.

• Familiarity with satellite constellation modeling or orbital mechanics.

• Experience with radar seeker modeling and sensor integration.

• Background in real-time systems or embedded simulation environments.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!