Principal Guidance, Navigation, & Control (GNC) Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Principal GNC Engineer (Aerospace): Develop novel algorithms for precise pointing and slewing of very large, flexible structures in earth orbit and beyond with an accent on guidance, navigation, and control systems. Focus on building simulation and modeling tools, executing trade studies, and verifying GNC flight software.

Location: Remote (United States only, U.S. Person required per ITAR)

Salary: $190,000 - $260,000 + equity

Company

Building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown for missions from LEO to deep space, backed by $450M from leading investors.

What you will do

• Work with engineering leads to set direction and develop novel vehicle architecture for GNC systems.
• Develop algorithms for precise pointing, slewing, attitude control, and estimation on spacecraft.
• Build simulation and modeling tools including 6-DOF simulation for mission design and trade studies.
• Own Verification and Validation plan for GNC stack, driving flight readiness through analysis.
• Support launch, on-orbit operations, and upgrades to GNC stack and simulation based on lessons learned.
• Build GNC organization by recruiting, hiring, and mentoring engineers.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual per ITAR)
• Experience with GNC actuator or sensor sizing, selection, and system design.
• Experience implementing attitude control and/or estimation algorithms on spacecraft.
• Experience with verification and validation of GNC flight software using 6-DOF simulation and HITL testing.
• Experience with early-stage spacecraft conceptual design.
• Experience with Python, Julia, C/C++, or Matlab for algorithm development and simulation.
• Experience with control algorithm development, reaction wheels, CMGs, thrusters, navigation (EKF), and trajectory analysis.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave.
• Equity in the company.
• Fast-paced Series C space startup environment with multiple launches planned through 2026-2027.
• Encourages non-traditional career paths and motivated individuals excited about space innovation.