Senior GNC Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced GNC algorithms and control systems for Rendezvous and Proximity Operation (RPO) missions.
• Conduct simulations, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and guide on-orbit testing to validate and verify GNC algorithms and control systems.
• Conduct mission analysis, trajectory optimization, and orbit determination to ensure mission objectives are met.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of GNC subsystems.
• Analyze and optimize system performance, including stability, robustness, and response time.
• Support commissioning of satellites on-orbit and support Droid.002 platform in Low Earth Orbit.
• Drive continuous improvement of GNC processes, methodologies, and best practices.
• Stay updated with latest advancements in GNC engineering for small satellite systems.

Senior GNC Engineer additional responsibilities:

• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making for technical direction in GNC.
• Maintain technical ownership over a functional area of the GNC team (e.g., embedded flight code processes).
• Lead technical trade studies for GNC design decisions.
• Identify and resolve GNC technical risks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D., MS with 1-2 years of experience, or BS with 2-4 years of experience in engineering discipline focused on control systems, orbital mechanics, or similar.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, or MATLAB for algorithm development and simulation.
• Technical competency in at least one major aspect of GNC engineering (guidance, navigation, controls, modeling & simulation, or GNC testing).
• Familiarity with satellite sensors (star trackers, sun sensors, GPS) at a senior level.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Ability to obtain Secret and/or TS/SCI clearance.
• Experience and expertise in GNC principles applied to satellite systems.
• Technical understanding of all GNC aspects with expertise in at least one functional area.
• Proven track record developing and implementing advanced GNC algorithms for space missions.
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools for GNC.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills in GNC engineering.
• Ability to personally design, build, and/or test GNC algorithms from the ground up.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with polarity and performance testing of GNC sensors and actuators.
• Experience designing and/or prototyping space systems software.
• Hardware-in-the-loop and Software-in-the-loop testing experience.
• Experience with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO).
• Experience with low thrust trajectories and spacecraft with propulsion systems.
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics, trajectory optimization, and mission analysis.
• Experience implementing optimization algorithms.
• Mission operations experience (investigating on-orbit anomalies, working with mission operations or on the ops floor).