About this role
Engineers who thrive in complex, high-stakes environments and want to tackle unique technical challenges in defense technology will find a strong fit at Helsing. The Guidance, Navigation and Control team builds AI-powered capabilities that redefine machine perception and decision-making for unmanned aerial systems. This person will take full end-to-end responsibility for developing and validating state estimation, navigation, and guidance algorithms.
Operating in a dedicated engineering group, the position exists to elevate UAS platform performance through bespoke controllers and robust sensor integration in contested environments. Ideal candidates possess a rigorous academic background, solid programming capabilities, and a genuine interest in applying advanced algorithms to solve critical real-world problems.
What you will do
- Own the complete development lifecycle of bespoke controllers for unmanned aerial systems, spanning conception, design, simulation, physical integration, and feature iteration.
- Design, test, and implement state estimator algorithms that maintain robust functionality within contested operating environments.
- Simulate navigation and guidance algorithm performance to guide the definition of sensor stacks such as IMUs, GPS/GNSS, barometers, magnetometers, and image-based positioning systems.
- Analyze real sensor and test data to calibrate hardware, validate performance, and successfully close the simulation-to-real gap.
- Support the specification and execution of structured tests for navigation and guidance algorithm evaluation.
- Collaborate closely with interfacing disciplines including flight mechanics, aerodynamics, embedded hardware and software, and testing.
- Contribute to, follow, and analyze ongoing flight tests.
What you need
- Hold a Master of Science or PhD degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or an equivalent field of study.
- Bring at least 5 years of professional experience focused on navigation, guidance, or state estimation development.
- Demonstrate very good technical skills in Matlab and Simulink.
- Possess a solid theoretical background spanning state estimation, aerodynamics, stability and control, and systems modeling.
- Exhibit excellent communication skills alongside the ability to report and present findings clearly and efficiently to both internal and external audiences.
- Maintain solid software engineering capabilities with the ability to write clean, well-structured code in Matlab and languages such as Python, Rust, Java, or modern C++.
Nice to have
- Hands-on experience with fixed-wing aircraft or drones
- Experience working with or contributing to open-source autopilots like Ardupilot or PX4
Benefits
- Competitive salary and VSOP options
- Relocation support including up to €2,500 and 4 weeks of temporary accommodation
- Learning and development yearly allowance of £450
- Health and wellness provisions including gym membership and mental health support via Nilo.health
- Regular company events and monthly social allowances
- Enhanced parental leave offering 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers and 6 weeks for secondary caregivers
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What kind of projects will I work on?
You will work in a dedicated Guidance, Navigation and Control team and take full end-to-end responsibility for developing and validating state estimation, navigation and guidance algorithms. Your goal is to elevate the performance of UAS platforms to unprecedented levels and impact the future of defense technology.
What are the core technical requirements for the role?
You should hold an M.Sc. or PhD in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics or an equivalent degree, and have at least 5 years of professional experience in navigation, guidance or state estimation development. Candidates also need very good skills in Matlab/Simulink and solid software engineering skills in languages like Python, Rust, Java, or modern C++.
What relocation and family support is offered?
Helsing provides relocation support of up to €2,500 and 4 weeks of temporary accommodation. Additional family support includes 5 days of paid family emergency leave, enhanced parental leave, and a 100 percent remote work option during pregnancy.
What is the onboarding process like?
The company features a hands-on onboarding program affectionately labeled Infraduction. During this time, you will build tooling and applications to be used across the company while learning the tech stack and working with other engineering teams from day one.