Spacecraft Descent Guidance, Navigation, and Control Software Engineer (C++/Python)

TL;DR

Spacecraft Descent Guidance, Navigation, and Control Software Engineer (C++/Python): Developing Flight Software (FSW) for the Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) phase of a lunar lander with an accent on GNC algorithm design and validation. Focus on building 6DOF simulations, trajectory optimization, and implementing mission-critical attitude control systems.

Location: Hybrid (Tokyo, Japan) — requires onsite presence

Company

hirify.global is a space exploration company focused on developing lunar landers and sustainable lunar transportation services.

What you will do

• Design and implement landing GNC Flight Software and truth-side models to enhance mission simulations.
• Develop unit, integration, and system-level testing frameworks using MIL, SIL, PIL, and HIL campaigns.
• Perform complex GNC analyses including guidance law design, control performance, thruster duty, and covariance analysis.
• Support flight operation procedures and perform troubleshooting of FSW algorithms to mitigate errors.
• Create detailed technical specifications for the GNC subsystem and its relations with other systems.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in Attitude and Orbit Control Subsystems (AOCS) or GNC engineering.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and Git with a focus on clean code and unit testing.
• Hands-on experience with 6DOF simulations, trajectory optimization, and onboard guidance algorithms.
• Experience developing navigation algorithms (e.g., Extended Kalman Filter) and attitude control.
• Business level English proficiency.

Nice to have

• 10+ years of experience in AOCS or GNC subsystems.
• Experience with real-time FSW implementations and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Background in systems engineering or direct spacecraft operation experience.
• Business level Japanese communication skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work model with a professional engineering environment in Tokyo.
• Opportunity to contribute to mission-critical space exploration and lunar landing technology.
• Collaborative, cross-functional team culture in an English-speaking engineering environment.