BS degree and 12+ years of experience in GNC/ADCS; advanced degrees preferred
5+ years of experience with spacecraft/satellite development and operations
Leadership experience with a team of three or more direct reports
Experience in interfacing directly with aerospace customers
Hands-on experience with GNC hardware such as IMU and gyroscopes
Demonstrated experience developing and verifying flight software
Experience with anomaly resolution in spacecraft operations
Responsibilities
Lead GNC design, modeling, and analysis for various spacecraft and missions
Design flight software, algorithms, and simulation products
Develop spacecraft autonomy tools for managing constellations
Select GNC components and design GNC subsystems
Execute test processes and develop fault detection strategies
Conduct hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulations
Integrate flight and simulation software with operational tools
Benefits
Ownership stakes through equity options in Apex
Comprehensive company-paid healthcare for employees and dependents
Generous PTO starting at 15 days, increasing to 20+, plus paid holidays
Competitive 401(k) plan with strong matching contributions
Paid parental leave and childcare reimbursement for work travel
Daily catered meals and unlimited snacks
Active community engagement through events and team-building activities
Innovative office environment with tools for productivity and EV chargers
Opportunity to make a real impact in the aerospace industry
Full Job Description
About the Role
The 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
#LI-HC1
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.
