GNC Engineer

As a GNC Engineer at Harmattan AI, you will be tasked with several responsibilities that are pivotal to the success of our UAV projects. Your key duties will include developing state-of-the-art navigation and sensor fusion algorithms for UAVs, designing GNC and flight control systems, and building filtering and estimation strategies for robust flight performance. You will also run extensive simulations, analyze flight data to refine algorithmic performance, and support full-stack system integration, including GNSS and INS/IMU systems.

To qualify for the GNC Engineer position at Harmattan AI, candidates should have a solid educational background, preferably an engineering school degree or a master's in computer science, engineering, or a related technical field. Additionally, you should have at least 3 years of experience working with aerospace GNC systems and a strong foundation in control theory, estimation, and sensor integration. Proficiency in Python and embedded C/C++ is essential, alongside familiarity with simulation tools and an understanding of open-source autopilots like PX4 and Ardupilot.

Essential skills for GNC Engineers at Harmattan AI include a strong understanding of control theory and sensor integration, proficiency in programming languages such as Python and embedded C/C++, and hands-on electronics capabilities. Experience with simulation tools like Gazebo and version control systems such as Git is also critical. A bonus would be having a passion for FPV piloting, showcasing an enthusiasm for aviation and a drive to understand UAV operations practically.

Career advancement for a GNC Engineer at Harmattan AI is closely tied to achieving technical expertise and contributing innovative solutions to our UAV projects. Engaging in continuous learning, participating in advanced training, and collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams will help you sharpen your skills. Additionally, demonstrating leadership qualities in project management and taking initiative in groundbreaking projects can position you for more senior roles and responsibilities within the company.

The work environment for GNC Engineers at Harmattan AI is highly collaborative and innovative, set in a dynamic space that encourages creativity and technical exploration. You will work alongside like-minded professionals who are passionate about defense technology and robotics. The culture promotes pushing boundaries and achieving ambitious goals, so you can expect a supportive yet challenging atmosphere that empowers you to make significant contributions to our cutting-edge projects.

When answering this question, highlight your hands-on experience with sensor fusion algorithms. Discuss specific projects where you've developed or implemented these algorithms, including the types of sensors you worked with and the outcomes of your work. Be ready to delve into the technical aspects and explain how your contributions improved the UAV's performance.

In your response, outline your systematic approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding the requirements, selecting appropriate algorithms, and rigorous testing through simulations. Share examples of past projects where your approach led to successful GNC system developments, and express your commitment to continuous improvement.

To address this, discuss your methods for debugging and troubleshooting, emphasizing your hands-on skills with electronics and your systematic approach. Share a specific instance where you've encountered challenges during integration and how you resolved these issues, showcasing your problem-solving skills and persistence.

When discussing simulation tools, highlight your experience with platforms like Gazebo or others relevant to UAV development. Provide insights on how you have utilized these tools for system testing, validation, or performance assessment, and talk about any specific metrics you achieved through your simulation work.

In your answer, detail a project where you applied control theory, explaining the purpose of the project, your role, and the specific theories or methodologies you employed. Discuss the impact of your work and how understanding control theory resulted in improved system performance or outcomes.

Discuss the significance of open-source autopilots like PX4 and Ardupilot in your projects. Explain how you have used these platforms for development, testing, or modification, and express your thoughts on how they can enhance innovation in GNC systems by allowing collaboration and sharing of knowledge.

Your response should emphasize your analytical mindset. Describe your process for analyzing flight test data, the statistical methods you apply, and how the results inform your algorithmic improvements. Providing examples of how this analysis has led to advances in your previous work showcases your expertise.

In addressing potential challenges, consider discussing issues such as rapidly evolving technologies, integration complexities, or performance specs. Be honest about the challenges you've faced in the past and how you approached overcoming them, showing resilience and adaptability.

If you've led a project, discuss the recognition and skills you gained from that experience. Talk about your leadership style, how you motivated your team, and what you learned about project management, collaboration, and meeting deadlines under pressure.

In your response, convey your enthusiasm for the company's mission and its cutting-edge work in defense technology. Explain how your skills align with the role and express genuine excitement about contributing to innovative projects that aim to shape the future of autonomous defense systems.