Director, Autonomous Systems

Long Wall, Long Beach, California

The role

Long Wall is seeking a Director of Autonomous Systems to lead the software, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), autonomy, and simulation capabilities that underpin the Cyclops interceptor and RSX target vehicle programs.

This leader will own the technical strategy and execution required to transform mission objectives into reliable, flight-ready systems. The role combines deep technical leadership with team building and cross-functional execution, spanning algorithms, modeling and simulation, embedded software, perception, autonomy, and vehicle-level integration.

What you need

What we look for

Mission-Driven Problem Solvers – The problems in missile defense demand ingenuity. We want engineers, technicians, and corporate professionals who approach challenges with curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and stay focused on delivering the best solution for the mission.

Total Ownership – We seek those who take full responsibility for delivering flight-ready work while recognizing that no one succeeds alone. The best engineers, technicians, and corporate professionals make their teammates better, knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success.

Basic qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
8+ years of experience in the development of aircraft, autonomous vehicles, missiles, spacecraft, or similar vehicles.
Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams through the development, integration, test, or operation of complex, safety-critical systems.

Required skills and experience

Deep expertise in at least two of the following areas:
Guidance, navigation, and control for aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, autonomous vehicles, or similar systems.
Development and validation of GNC algorithms, vehicle models, estimators, or flight software.
Modeling, simulation, mission analysis, and system-performance evaluation.
Perception, autonomy, image processing, target tracking, or sensor fusion for closed-loop applications.
Real-time or embedded software for flight-critical systems.
Trajectory design, optimization, or intercept analysis.
Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, estimation, control theory, and trajectory analysis.
Demonstrated ability to simplify complex technical problems and drive them to reliable, testable solutions.
Experience making and communicating system-level technical trades across multiple engineering disciplines.
Ability to provide hands-on technical direction while building accountability and ownership within a growing team.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical topics to varied audiences.

Additional requirements

This position requires a national security suitability screening following offer acceptance.
Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone, and via telepresence
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

ITAR Requirement

Director, Autonomous Systems

The role

Director, Autonomous Systems

The role

What you will do

What you need

What we look for

Basic qualifications

Required skills and experience

Additional requirements

Nice to have

About Long Wall

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