Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field
5-7 years of relevant GNC Engineering experience in aerospace and defense
Project experience in spacecraft attitude dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control systems
Strong grasp of physics, attitude dynamics, orbital mechanics, and software development
Experience with C++ and/or Python for algorithm development
Familiarity with GNC concepts, sensors, and control laws
Exposure to filtering methods (e.g., Kalman filters) through internships or projects
Responsibilities
Own all aspects of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) system development
Design, test, and validate GNC flight software and embedded algorithms
Develop and maintain spacecraft Attitude and Orbit Determination & Estimation algorithms
Conduct trade studies and provide design recommendations for GNC hardware
Develop GNC algorithms and implement them in flight software
Design and improve high-fidelity 6-DOF simulation environments
Support on-orbit commissioning and anomaly resolution
Benefits
Health, Dental, and Vision insurance options
HRA/HSA options
Paid Time Off and holidays
401K plan
Parental Leave
Full Job Description
RESPONSIBILITIES
Own all aspects of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) system development, including architecture definition, algorithm design, verification, hardware integration, and on-orbit operations.
Design, test, and validate GNC flight software and embedded algorithms for spacecraft operating in LEO, GEO, and other orbit regimes.
Develop and maintain spacecraft Attitude and Orbit Determination & Estimation (AOD/AOE) algorithms, including sensor fusion and filtering frameworks (e.g., EKF, UKF, batch least-squares).
Conduct trade studies and provide design recommendations for GNC hardware such as reaction wheels, torque rods, thrusters, star trackers, sun sensors, IMUs, and RF/optical navigation sensors.
Develop GNC algorithms and implement them in flight software; verify performance and robustness through high-fidelity simulation, Monte Carlo analysis, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
Design, implement, and improve high-fidelity 6-DOF simulation environments for SIL, HIL, and advanced mission analysis.
Utilize and enhance frequency-domain and time-domain control analysis tools to ensure stability margins, disturbance rejection, and performance in off-nominal conditions.
Define system- and subsystem-level GNC requirements, interfaces, and verification plans in collaboration with systems engineering.
Work cross-functionally with avionics, propulsion, software, mission operations, and systems teams to ensure seamless integration of GNC functionality.
Support on-orbit commissioning, system calibration, maneuver planning, and anomaly resolution throughout mission operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field
5 - 7 years of relevant GNC Engineering experience in the aerospace and defense industry
Coursework or project experience in spacecraft attitude dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control systems
Strong understanding of physics, attitude dynamics, orbital mechanics, and software development principles
Internship or project experience in GNC, control systems, or simulation development
Experience with C++ and/or Python for algorithm development, numerical methods, or simulation
Familiarity with spacecraft GNC concepts, such as sensors, actuators, state estimation, and control laws
Exposure to filtering or estimation methods (e.g., Kalman filters) through internships, coursework, or projects
Ability to build, test, and debug software and simulation tools
Strong analytical skills and ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment
Demonstrated ability to take ownership of tasks and learn new concepts quickly
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Master's degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent discipline
Experience with closed-loop control, orbital maneuvering, filtering, state estimation, fault management, and software development
Experience developing simulation environments for spaceflight physics
Experience with flight operations and solving problems real-time on console
Experience performing line of sight performance analysis such as jitter, smear, and pointing accuracy
Experience doing hands-on GNC hardware testing
Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI US government security clearance
COMPENSATION
Base Salary: $145,000 - $210,000
Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Work Location-This is an onsite position, Successful candidates will be located near Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA
Work environment-the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
Physical demands-the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.
This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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.
