About the RoleThe
Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer is responsible for leading GNC development for Apex's growing fleet of spacecraft platforms. You will demonstrate a firm grasp of spacecraft GNC concepts and applications. You will work with all facets of the engineering life cycle: spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements development, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration & test (I&T), and vehicle I&T. You will be responsible for planning and maintaining the development schedule to support the Space Systems Control Software organization in executing leading edge programs and products. You will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software. You will also directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.
Responsibilities:- Lead architect responsible for GNC design, modeling, and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include LEO, MEO, GEO, and RPOD
- Design of flight software, algorithms, and simulation product
- Development of spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
- GNC component selection and GNC subsystem design
- Test process development and execution
- Define fault detection and response
- Hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation
- Integration of flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools
- Support internal and external design reviews
- Work with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedule and milestones and report technical status
Requirements:- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, advanced degrees preferred
- 15+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
- 5+ years of industry experience developing/operating spacecraft/satellites
- Prior experience leading a team of three or more direct reports
- Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors
- Experience in Jira planning and workflow
- Hands-on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware
- Experience developing blended attitude solutions from a variety of sensor data
- Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight software
- Demonstrated experience with spacecraft on-orbit operations and anomaly resolution
- Prior experience leading a team across a project lifecycle
- Prior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining priorities for a team
- Experience with GNC-related Business Development or conceptual design work
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What We Offer For Full-time Employees:- Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
- Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
- Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
- Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
- 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
- Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
- Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
- Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
- World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
- Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference
Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.
