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 120 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

As a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer for the Stratos program, you will lead the design and implementation of guidance and trajectory planning algorithms for our stratospheric vehicle. You will work closely with the autonomy, systems, and flight test teams to ensure the vehicle achieves precise, reliable performance in extreme high-altitude environments. This role demands a balance of technical excellence, creative problem-solving, and disciplined execution to deliver mission-critical systems under tight timelines.

You will collaborate with top-tier engineers, contribute to a vehicle that pushes the boundaries of aerospace, and help shape the future of defense technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced guidance algorithms optimized for stratospheric flight, ensuring precise trajectory planning and execution.

• Create robust trajectory optimization models to meet mission objectives under dynamic environmental conditions, such as high-altitude winds and thermal gradients.

• Build and validate mathematical models of the Stratos vehicle’s dynamics, incorporating aerodynamics, propulsion, and environmental factors.

• Conduct high-fidelity simulations to test guidance algorithms and predict vehicle performance across operational scenarios.

• Collaborate with flight test teams to integrate GNC systems into prototypes and support real-world stratospheric flight tests.

• Analyze flight test data to validate algorithm performance and refine guidance models, ensuring mission reliability and accuracy.

• Work closely with autonomy, software, and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration of GNC systems into the Stratos platform.

• Align guidance requirements with vehicle constraints, such as power, weight, and thermal management, in partnership with systems engineers.

• Champion robust, scalable, and maintainable GNC solutions that balance performance with computational efficiency.

• Maintain deep technical fluency in control theory, state estimation, and trajectory optimization to guide design decisions and troubleshoot issues.

• Document GNC designs, algorithms, and test results thoroughly for internal reviews and regulatory requirements.

• Ensure all GNC systems adhere to defense and aerospace industry standards for safety, reliability, and performance.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in GNC system design, with a focus on guidance and trajectory planning.

• Proven track record developing algorithms for aerospace vehicles, preferably in high-altitude or stratospheric applications.

• Strong proficiency in simulation and software tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C++, or Rust.

• Deep understanding of control theory, Kalman filtering, state estimation, and trajectory optimization techniques.

• Experience with aerodynamic modeling, flight dynamics, and environmental effects in high-altitude regimes.

• Familiarity with real-time embedded systems and software-hardware integration.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality systems under tight deadlines in fast-paced environments.

• Strong communication skills to translate complex technical concepts into clear plans and align cross-functional teams.

• Experience resolving ambiguity and driving clarity in high-stakes projects.

• Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience with stratospheric vehicles, balloons, or hypersonic systems.

• Familiarity with defense or aerospace regulatory standards.

• Exposure to hardware-integrated software development in early-stage or startup environments.

• Security clearance or eligibility to obtain one.

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.

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!