GNC Engineer About the Role:
As a GNC Engineer at Cowboy Space, you will design and implement the algorithms that control how our spacecraft orient, navigate, and maneuver in orbit. Your work will directly impact pointing accuracy, orbital control, and overall mission performance.
This is a high-ownership role spanning modeling, simulation, flight software integration, and real-world testing. You'll work closely with propulsion, hardware, and software teams to ensure GNC systems perform reliably from simulation to on-orbit operations.
Responsibilities:- Design and develop guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft attitude and orbit control
- Build high-fidelity simulations to model spacecraft dynamics, sensors, and actuators
- Develop state estimation algorithms (e.g., Kalman filters) for navigation and attitude determination
- Design control laws for pointing, stabilization, and orbital maneuvers
- Collaborate with propulsion and hardware teams to integrate actuators and sensors into control systems
- Work with software engineers to implement GNC algorithms into flight software
- Validate system performance through simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and real-world data
- Support integration, launch preparation, and on-orbit operations
- Analyze flight data, troubleshoot anomalies, and improve system performance over time
- Contribute to system architecture decisions across vehicle and mission design
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in GNC, controls, or related fields
- Strong fundamentals in dynamics, control theory, and estimation
- Experience with simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or similar)
- Experience implementing or testing control systems in real-world or simulated environments
- Ability to work in fast-paced, multidisciplinary engineering teams
Preferred Qualifications:- Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
- Experience with spacecraft GNC systems or orbital mechanics
- Familiarity with sensors such as star trackers, IMUs, and GPS
- Experience with propulsion-integrated control systems
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and validation
- Background in high-reliability or mission-critical systems
- Experience contributing to flight software or embedded systems
Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is
$150,000 - $200,000 annually.
The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.- Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
- Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year
- Paid parental leave
- Relocation assistance if applicable
- Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
ITAR Requirements- Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.
DisclaimerThis job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
