Guidance, Control and Navigation Engineer

The guidance, control and navigation (GCN) department plays a pivotal role in the concept and life of all MBDA products. We work on high complexity weapon systems and understand how the various subsystems interact and have a direct influence on design decisions. The algorithms we design lie at the heart of the missile system.

We host four areas of expertise:

• Navigation is the process of estimating the current missile state (position, velocity and attitude) using measurements from a range of on-board sensors.
• Guidance is the process of determining a suitable trajectory, meeting customer requirements and system constraints, providing an effective route to target interception and maximising the probability of success.
• Control is the process of maintaining stable flight while following the guidance demands to drive the missile onto the trajectory calculated by the guidance algorithms.
• Command and control (C2) is the component of the weapon system that interacts with the human operator. It presents the context of the mission and calculates the most effective method of engagement against threats.

What’s the opportunity?

You will develop a number of core technical skills including coding and modelling, mathematics, dynamics and control theory. Our work is mostly MATLAB/Simulink focused and you will work on this tool daily. Through close working with other departments you will understand the complexities of many parts of the missile including propulsion, aerodynamics, seekers, sensors and actuators.

During your programme you will broaden your technical knowledge of the design and function of a complex weapon system and have visibility of a wide range of work from concept studies through to current high-profile projects. You will work as part of one of the many international teams in MBDA,with the GCN function in Paris and Rome. This doesn’t always equate to travel but you may be offered the option where the opportunity arises.

Your work will involve:

• Integrated navigation, such as “terrain reference navigation”, and “GPS integration”.
• Guidance algorithm design and evaluation for all phases of missile flight.
• Autopilot and control system design and analysis.
• Data fusion to combine data from multiple sensors.
• Support to concept and feasibility studies.
• Internal Research and Development to support future weapons and technology demonstrators.
• Implementing neural networks and deep learning techniques to help solve a range of complex problems.
• Our work is mostly MATLAB/Simulink focused and you will work on this tool daily.

What’s in it for you?

You’ll no doubt have seen all the information on our website about our comprehensive and customisable benefits package. For a reminder click here.

What are welooking for?

• Degree qualified in aeronautical engineering, aerospace, mathematics, physics, control and systems or a related subject, to a minimum 2:2.
• Basic knowledge of using MATLAB/Simulink.
• Basic knowledge of programming skills e.g. C, Python.

MBDA is committed to providing an inclusive working environment where our employees can be themselves and everyone has equal opportunity to reach their full potential. We value difference and know that a diverse community makes for greater innovation and brings a breadth of skills, experience and perspectives.

All graduates, undergraduates and apprentices at MBDA are required to achieve the appropriate clearance relevant to their respective role. Some roles, may be reserved for UK nationals and certain categories of information may be restricted to UK nationals also. To gain suitable clearance individuals will need to have lived in the UK for up to five years dependent on the level of clearance required.

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