Navigation Algorithm Engineer
Based in Bristol
Salary up to £55,000
Guided defence systems don't find their way by accident. Somewhere behind every trajectory is an algorithm doing the thinking, and that's where you'd come in.
This is a navigation algorithm role sitting inside a guidance, navigation and control (GNC) team, working across research, concept studies, development programmes and in-service upgrades. You'd be involved from early feasibility work through to algorithms already flying in live systems, so the work doesn't sit still.
If you've got a strong maths background and a real interest in how navigation algorithms actually perform in the real world, not just on paper, this is worth a proper look, even if you're not actively hunting right now.
What you'd be doing:
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Researching, developing and evaluating navigation algorithms across the full programme lifecycle
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Supporting system feasibility and concept studies with early-stage algorithm work
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Contributing to assessment and development programmes for current and future systems
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Working on upgrades and improvements to navigation algorithms already in service
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Validating and verifying algorithm performance in real-time implementations
What you'll need (essential):
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A degree with strong mathematical content, such as aerospace engineering, control engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics or physics
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Demonstrable programming experience, including MATLAB
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Experience with real-time implementation and validation & verification (V&V)
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Some hands-on exposure to navigation algorithms, whether from academic research or industry
Where you'd stand out (desirable):
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A PhD in a relevant field, particularly with industrial application
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Experience designing, comparatively evaluating or testing state-of-the-art navigation algorithms
One thing to know before you apply:
This role requires British citizenship, or dual UK nationality with British citizenship, and successful candidates will need to pass HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks after offer. If that doesn't apply to you, it's worth knowing upfront rather than getting to offer stage and finding out.
This is a five-day-a-week, on-site role in Bristol, reflecting the classification of the work involved.
On the table: salary up to £55,000 depending on experience, company bonus up to £2,500, pension contributions up to 14% combined, up to 15 additional flexi leave days, and paid overtime.
If this sounds like your kind of maths, and you'd like to know more, even informally, get in touch. No pressure, just a conversation.
