GNC Systems Engineer - Spaceplane

Our Mission: Fly to space twice in a day

Join the Systems & GNC team working on the Mk-II Spaceplane and help shape the future of flight. In this role, you will play a key part in developing and validating highly integrated tools that enable data-driven decision-making across the program and directly influence vehicle performance and safety.

This position sits at the intersection of guidance, navigation and control, systems engineering, and flight operations—offering a rare opportunity to work across disciplines and see your work transition from analysis and design through to flight test and operations. We are looking for engineers who take true ownership of their projects, drive them through the entire engineering life-cycle, and enjoy solving complex problems with a holistic perspective.

If you are motivated to work at the forefront of supersonic spaceplane development, with direct involvement in flight hardware, test campaigns, and flight data analysis, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the program’s success.

What you will do:

Evaluating mission and vehicle design with Monte Carlo simulations. Feeding data directly back to each design team.

Design, code and verify GNC algorithms in C++

Develop and continuously improve the integrated mission analysis, simulation, and flight-test validation workflows.

Build, refine, and validate high-fidelity vehicle models using analytical methods, ground testing, and flight-test data.

Work with flight engineers to design and execute test points to validate and characterize vehicle models

Setup, improve, and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations

Requirements

What you will bring:

A BSc qualification in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechatronics or similar

Good understanding of vehicle modelling and system identification techniques

Good fundamental understanding of flight dynamics

At least 1 year practical experience in control or state estimation design, implement or test in industry or personal projects.

Proficient in programming languages such as Python or C++

It would be great if you also have:

Experience working with/in UAVs, aviation or rocketry

Good understanding of state estimation techniques, including sensor error sources and modelling.

About Us – Dawn Aerospace

Dawn Aerospace is developing the fastest and highest-flying aircraft ever to take off from a runway, combining the extreme performance of rocket propulsion with the reusability of conventional airplanes to enable high-frequency, low-cost access to sub-orbital space. Our flagship aircraft, the Mk-II Aurora spaceplane, is designed to push the boundaries of aviation into space, providing a scalable and cost-effective platform for microgravity research, atmospheric studies, and aerospace innovation. In 2024, the Aurora spaceplane broke the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.12 at 82,500 feet, and set a record for the fastest climb to 20 kilometres (65,600 feet).

We're a tight-knit, cross-functional team with a passion for building things that matter. If you're ready to be part of a bold, hands-on engineering challenge that’s changing how space is accessed—let’s talk. And even if you think you have what it takes but are unsure that you check every box, we still want to hear from you.

Please also note this role involves access to controlled/secure technology. Appointment is conditional on passing background/security vetting and, where required, obtaining any necessary export-control authorisations. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis with reference to clearance and licensing requirements.