Senior GNC Engineer - Spacecraft

Senior GNC Engineer - Build Advanced Flight Algorithms for Reusable Satellite Systems!

Opportunity Summary

A stealth-stage, venture-backed aerospace startup is redefining what's possible in orbital transportation. The company is developing the first reusable satellite platform, capable of controlled return and redeployment, enabling two-way missions and radically improving the economics of space access. As a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer, you'll lead the design, implementation, and validation of spacecraft flight algorithms, from position estimation to attitude control. You'll work across simulation, embedded systems, and real-time operations to help bring breakthrough space systems to life.

About Us

We're an elite team of engineers, builders, and space veterans developing high-performance, reusable satellites for commercial and government use. Backed by top-tier investors and with leadership experience from pioneering space companies, we're tackling the toughest engineering challenges in orbital return, spacecraft autonomy, and modular satellite systems. With mission demand accelerating, we're scaling a platform that changes how industry and government access space.

Job Duties

• Design and implement advanced GNC algorithms for position, velocity, and attitude estimation
• Develop real-time estimation techniques such as sensor fusion and extended Kalman filtering
• Build, test, and deploy flight control software for trajectory and pointing operations
• Lead simulation development, including high-fidelity 6-DOF dynamics and Monte Carlo environments
• Support GNC system design, including component selection, architecture, and trade studies
• Integrate hardware and software in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments
• Contribute to flight planning, concept of operations, and mission execution strategies
• Assist in hands-on testing, subassembly integration, and flight validation of spacecraft
• Collaborate cross-functionally with software, avionics, propulsion, and mechanical teams

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Control Systems, Physics, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of experience in GNC for spacecraft or advanced robotics applications
• Proficiency with estimation algorithms including Kalman filters and batch processing techniques
• Experience designing and validating control and guidance algorithms for space systems
• Strong background in simulation environments, including 6-DOF modeling
• Programming proficiency in Python (NumPy, SciPy), C++, and version control (Git)
• Passion for hands-on engineering and rapid hardware/software integration

Preferred Experience

• Knowledge of orbit determination and trajectory optimization methods
• Familiarity with spacecraft propulsion systems and orbital mechanics for LEO missions
• Experience with robotic manipulators or autonomous vehicle navigation
• Experience with embedded systems and implementing flight software on real-time hardware
• Prior work with hardware-in-the-loop testing environments
• Exposure to geostationary operations or dual-use commercial/government satellite programs

Security Clearance

• Must be able to obtain US Secret clearance.

Why Join Us

• Be a core contributor to reusable satellite systems designed for rapid reentry and relaunch
• Work with a seasoned team from top aerospace programs
• Own high-impact technical areas that directly influence flight performance
• Shape the trajectory of a company on the frontier of orbital logistics
• Equity options
• Competitive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Opportunities for technical leadership and rapid career growth

Compensation Details

$125,000 - $175,000 plus equity