GNC Engineer

Astra Space, Inc.

$115K — $140K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3-5 years of experience in aerospace vehicle GNC development and simulation
  • Advanced degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or equivalent
  • Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink and C++ or Python
  • Experience building controllers for rockets, drones, or robots
  • Familiarity with software interfaces and Interface Control Documents
  • Strong interpersonal skills for articulating ideas and providing technical feedback
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative startup environment

Responsibilities

  • Develop GNC algorithms, simulation models, and flight trajectories
  • Analyze ground test and flight data to verify and enhance system performance
  • Refine controllers and guidance algorithms to meet GNC standards
  • Test automation for Simulink simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and integrated vehicles
  • Support mission control during countdown and fulfill GNC responsibilities during launch

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a dynamic startup environment
  • Chance to contribute to daily space launches
  • Collaboration with a dedicated and skilled team
  • Support for diversity and inclusion in the workplace
  • Consideration for applicants with criminal histories within the bounds of local ordinances
Full Job Description
The Opportunity

As a Senior GNC Engineer, you will be part of the small team that develops the control, estimation, and guidance algorithms that fly our rockets. You'll be deeply involved in all aspects of GNC, but will also work closely with all teams to ensure that the rocket is designed and tested to launch, fly, and deploy its payload to the target orbit.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

  • Develop: create GNC algorithms, simulation models, and trajectories
  • Analyze: use ground test and flight data to verify system performance and improve the fidelity of the simulation
  • Refine: tune controllers and guidance algorithms to meet GNC requirements
  • Test: build out test automation across Simulink simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, engine test cells, and integrated vehicles
  • Fly: support launch from mission control and fulfill GNC responsibilities during the countdown


Why We Value You

  • You have 3-5 years of experience in aerospace vehicle GNC development and simulation
  • You have an advanced degree in engineering, physics, mathematics or equivalent
  • You have experience with Matlab/Simulink and C++ or Python
  • You have experience building controllers for rockets, drones, or robots
  • You have experience implementing software interfaces and interpreting Interface Control Documents
  • You possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate ideas and give technical feedback
  • You're excited to work in a fast-paced, self-driven, iterative startup environment, and to build the systems that enable daily launches to space

Desired Multipliers

  • Strong cross-functional communication skills and technical leadership experience


The pay range for this role is: $115,000-140,000 per year

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range in the San Francisco Bay Area and excludes additional earnings such as bonus and benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Astra, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

San Francisco Applicants: Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Astra Space, Inc.

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar GNC Engineer jobs: