Apex

Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer

Apex$120K — $150K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace or Electrical Engineering or related field
  • 6+ years as a GNC Engineer in the satellite or aerospace industry
  • Strong knowledge of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory
  • Proficiency in C/C++, MATLAB, Python for simulations
  • Familiarity with GNC hardware components like sensors and actuators
  • Experience with simulation software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink)
  • Strong analytical/problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement GNC algorithms for satellite systems
  • Conduct analysis of spacecraft dynamics via simulations
  • Design and test spacecraft control systems to achieve mission objectives
  • Collaborate to define system requirements for GNC compatibility
  • Perform trade studies for optimal GNC configurations
  • Develop and execute testing plans for GNC systems
  • Analyze telemetry data to resolve GNC performance issues

Benefits

  • Receive equity in the company
  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision care
  • 15+ days of paid time off, increasing with tenure
  • Generous 401(k) matching plan
  • 8 weeks paid parental leave and childcare reimbursement
  • Daily catered lunches and unlimited snacks
  • Vibrant office community and social events
  • Flexible work-life integration with an excellent office location
  • Opportunity to make a lasting impact alongside industry experts
Full Job Description
About the Role

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer to work on a closely integrated team who will drive the design of the GNC system, including hardware and software, to meet the position, attitude, knowledge and stability requirements of our bus. You will have an opportunity to approach this from a clean sheet design and inform coupled trades across the vehicle architecture. You will be innovative in your approach to push the limits of design and performance, while disrupting and making an impact on the industry. This role reports directly into the Director of GNC, HITL & Mission Ops.

Responsibilities:
  • Develop and implement GNC algorithms for satellite systems, including attitude determination and control, orbit determination and control, and precision pointing.
  • Conduct analysis of spacecraft dynamics and perform simulations to evaluate system performance, stability, and accuracy.
  • Design, develop, and test spacecraft control systems, including reaction wheels, thrusters, and magnetic torquers, to achieve desired mission objectives.
  • Collaborate with spacecraft and payload engineers to define system requirements and ensure GNC system compatibility and integration.
  • Perform trade studies and make recommendations for optimal GNC configurations, considering factors such as power consumption, mass, and cost.
  • Develop and execute test plans and procedures for GNC systems, including system-level testing, performance evaluation, and anomaly resolution.
  • Analyze and interpret spacecraft telemetry data to diagnose and troubleshoot GNC-related anomalies and performance issues.
  • Collaborate with software engineers to develop GNC software modules and interfaces, ensuring seamless integration with overall satellite systems.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry advancements and emerging technologies in GNC systems, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Provide technical expertise and support to cross-functional teams, including project managers, system engineers, and operations personnel.
  • Develop GNC algorithm and subsystem tests and validation criteria for functional and performance verification.


Requirements:
  • U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of professional experience as a GNC Engineer, preferably in the satellite or aerospace industry.
  • Strong knowledge of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++, MATLAB, Python with experience in numerical simulation and analysis.
  • Familiarity with GNC hardware and software components, such as sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers, star trackers), actuators, and control algorithms.
  • Experience with simulation tools and software packages commonly used in spacecraft GNC engineering (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, STK).
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex system dynamics and propose effective solutions.
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as in a team-oriented environment.
  • Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.
  • Ability to lead solutions to engineering problems from beginning to end.


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About Apex

Industry
Founded
2003

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