Autonomy / GNC Engineer

required

Linear algebra for robotics

Vector spaces, matrix decompositions, SO(3) and SE(3) for rigid-body motion.

4 resources

required

Probability & random variables

Multivariate Gaussians, conditional probability, Bayes rule. The math behind every filter you'll write.

2 resources

recommended

Rigid body dynamics

Newton-Euler equations, equations of motion in body vs. world frame, quaternion kinematics.

2 resources

required

C++ for autonomy

Modern C++17/20 idioms, RAII, smart pointers, build systems (CMake), real-time concerns.

2 resources

required

Extended Kalman filter

EKF derivation, predict/update steps, Jacobian linearization, covariance propagation.

2 resources

required

Visual-inertial odometry (VIO)

Tightly-coupled IMU + camera fusion. The sensing stack on every consumer drone and most autonomy testbeds.

2 resources

recommended

SLAM (simultaneous localization & mapping)

Pose graph optimization, factor graphs (GTSAM), loop closure, lidar vs. visual SLAM.

2 resources

optional

GPS-denied navigation

Dead reckoning, terrain-relative navigation, magnetic anomaly, signals-of-opportunity.

1 resources

required

Classical control (PID + frequency domain)

Bode plots, root locus, stability margins. Still the foundation under every modern controller.

2 resources

recommended

LQR / state-space control

Linear quadratic regulator, observability, controllability, the algebraic Riccati equation.

1 resources

recommended

Model predictive control (MPC)

Receding-horizon optimization, constraint handling, real-time QP solvers (OSQP, acados).

2 resources

recommended

Read PX4 and ArduPilot source

The two reference open-source autopilots. Both run on real flight hardware in millions of vehicles.

2 resources

recommended

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation

Connect the real flight controller to a sim. The only way to validate GNC code before flying.

1 resources

optional

Certification & flight-safety basics

DO-178C for software, DO-254 for hardware, ASTM F38 for sUAS. The compliance layer that gates Series B+ companies.

1 resources