The Role

Fortastra is seeking a Head of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) to define and lead the development of flight-critical algorithms enabling autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations (RPO), and precision maneuvering in contested environments. This is a technical leadership role, not a pure management position. You will set the technical direction for GN&C across the company, own system-level performance, and build and lead a team capable of delivering mission-critical autonomy from concept through flight. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in control theory, estimation, and orbital mechanics, combined with a track record of delivering flight-proven systems and leading high-performing engineering teams.
Key Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end GN&C architecture across all spacecraft programs, ensuring performance, robustness, and mission alignment
• Define and drive technical strategy and roadmap for autonomy-enabled control systems in dynamic and contested environments
• Lead the design, implementation, and validation of GNC algorithms for RPO, formation flying, and precision maneuvering
• Oversee development of ADCS, orbit determination, and state estimation systems with flight-level reliability
• Establish and enforce engineering standards, modeling practices, and verification methodologies across the GN&C domain
• Drive integration of GN&C with flight software, autonomy, avionics, and mission systems
• Own simulation, Monte Carlo analysis, and performance validation under uncertainty, off-nominal conditions, and failure scenarios
• Lead hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and flight test campaigns, ensuring readiness for operational deployment
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-caliber GN&C team, setting a high bar for technical excellence and accountability
• Act as the technical authority for GN&C, supporting executive decisions, customer engagements, and program reviews

Qualifications and Skills

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or autonomous system GN&C
• Demonstrated ownership of flight-critical GN&C systems from concept through on-orbit operations
• Deep expertise in control systems, nonlinear dynamics, and state estimation (e.g., Kalman filtering)
• Strong experience with relative motion, orbital mechanics, and RPO or formation flying missions
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and deliver complex systems under schedule and performance constraints
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and C/C++
• Experience integrating algorithms into embedded flight software and HIL environments
• Strong systems engineering mindset with the ability to operate across disciplines

Requirements

• 5 days on-site in Torrance, CA
• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to obtain or hold an active TS/SCI clearance

Benefits

We take care of our employees so they can focus on what matters most: family, well-being, and life outside of work.

Unlimited Paid Time Off so that you have the time you need to rest and recharge.

Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, because peace of mind starts with feeling cared for.

Equity: Share in Fortastra's success with equity in the company you're helping build.

401(k): A 401(k) plan to help you invest in your future and plan for what's ahead.

Social Events: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities that make this a place people are glad to be part of.

The pay range for this role is $250,000.00 - $350,000.00. Where an offer falls within that range depends on factors like your qualifications, experience, location, and interview performance, which we weigh against the market rate for the position.

Recruiters & Agencies: Fortastra does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from recruiters, agencies, or third parties. Any candidate submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization from Fortastra will not be subject to any fee, and no relationship is implied. Please do not contact Fortastra employees, hiring managers, or recruiting team directly.