Lead Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking a Lead Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer to own and advance the GNC architecture for our UAV systems. This role will lead the development, tuning, validation, and operational readiness of flight control, navigation, estimation, and autopilot systems.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on GNC leader who can own flight behavior end to end: from control architecture and estimation through autopilot configuration, software implementation, flight test, and operational procedures. They should be comfortable making technical decisions, mentoring engineers, and turning flight data into reliable system improvements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, tuning, and validation of UAV guidance, navigation, and control systems.
• Own cascade and hierarchical control system architecture for drone platforms.
• Develop and maintain autopilot workflows, including PX4 update and release SOPs.
• Lead flight test planning, execution, log analysis, troubleshooting, and performance improvement.
• Work with state estimation, sensor fusion, Kalman filters, EKFs, and related navigation methods.
• Integrate sensors, embedded systems, and flight-critical software/hardware.
• Guide technical decisions across controls, embedded software, autonomy, and aircraft behavior.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, robotics, and software engineering teams.
• Mentor other engineers and establish best practices for GNC development and validation

Required Qualifications

• Degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, or a related technical field.
• Significant experience with guidance, navigation, and control systems for UAVs, robotics, aerospace systems, or similar platforms.
• Strong experience with cascade or hierarchical control systems. - Strong programming skills in C/C++ and Python.
• Hands-on experience with drones, robotics, embedded systems, sensors, or mechatronic systems.
• Ability to obtain and use FAA Part 107 certification if not already certified.
• Ability to lead technical workstreams, define procedures, and drive systems from development through flight testing.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience with PX4 or ArduPilot.
• Existing FAA Part 107 certification.
• Strong drone piloting or field testing experience.
• Experience with state estimation, Kalman filters, EKFs, sensor fusion, or navigation systems.
• Embedded software development experience.
• Familiarity with sensors, actuator systems, fluid mechanics, or aerodynamics.
• Rust experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Base pay, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.