Spacecraft Descent Guidance, Navigation, and Control System Engineer (GNC)

TL;DR

Spacecraft Descent Guidance, Navigation, and Control System Engineer (GNC): Lead end-to-end development of lunar lander’s landing system from GNC subsystem perspective with an accent on algorithm design, sensor modeling, performance evaluation, and system integration. Focus on designing EDL functions, performing GNC analyses, planning V&V activities, and managing interfaces with other subsystems for robust landing operations.

Location: Tokyo, Japan – Hybrid (JP Engineering Office)

Company

hirify.global develops lunar landers and supports space vehicle studies for future missions.

What you will do

• Oversee lunar lander landing system development, including design, verification, and operations from GNC perspective.
• Design EDL GNC functions and conduct analyses like guidance/control law design, navigation filters, sensor evaluations using control tools and in-house software.
• Plan and execute V&V activities from component to system-level tests (SCLT, DOLT, DCLT).
• Develop FMECA/MCFMA frameworks and execute fault scenarios for landing robustness.
• Define GNC requirements/specifications for flight software and units, manage interfaces with other subsystems.
• Support component selection/verification (IMUs, star trackers, LiDARs, cameras, propulsion) and troubleshoot GNC FSW algorithms.
• Document GNC subsystem specifications and provide feasibility studies for system trades.

Requirements

• Business-level English communication skills required.
• 5+ years in GNC subsystem development (algorithms, sensors modeling/performance evaluation).
• 5+ years in spacecraft systems engineering (including failure mode analysis).
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, Git, and modern software development practices.
• Experience with closed-loop frameworks (MIL/SIL/PIL/HIL) and models/interfaces for IMUs, star trackers, LiDARs, cameras, propulsion.
• Hands-on system-level spacecraft testing (SCLT, DOLT, DCLT).
• Proven vision-based navigation system development.

Nice to have

• 10+ years in GNC subsystems and spacecraft systems engineering.
• Experience developing sensors (laser range finders, LiDAR, cameras).
• Software integration across C/C++, Python, Matlab; real-time FSW; MATLAB/Simulink.
• Business-level Japanese.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative team environment with proactive, continuous improvement mindset.
• Full-time regular position in engineering and R&D office.
• Support for future space mission development studies.