GNC Engineer

Senior GNC Engineer - Build Autonomous Space Systems That Will Define the Next Era of Orbit

Opportunity Summary

Join an ambitious, fast-moving aerospace startup that's pioneering in-space mobility and autonomous operations. Backed by venture funding and driven by a mission to make orbital logistics more efficient and scalable, this company is designing advanced systems for spacecraft, autonomous maneuvering, and real-time control in complex space environments. As a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer, you'll shape mission-critical architecture for next-gen spacecraft, from early-stage design to embedded implementation and validation. You'll lead technical development in simulation, control algorithms, and flight software, all while collaborating cross-functionally with a team focused on building, testing, and flying vehicles that make orbital logistics a reality.

About Us

We are an early-stage, venture-backed startup developing autonomous in-space systems with a focus on propulsion-enabled platforms and self-directed orbital operations. Our approach merges real-time trajectory optimization and embedded GNC autonomy to unlock sustainable, scalable orbital infrastructure. Our team includes engineers and scientists from leading aerospace programs, and we're building fast toward full-mission execution in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Job Duties

• Architect, implement, and validate GNC systems for refuelable spacecraft and in-orbit transport vehicles.
• Drive the spacecraft's trajectory planning, attitude determination, and guidance/control logic across mission phases.
• Lead development of dynamic simulations, including high-fidelity, multi-DOF frameworks for hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop testing.
• Create algorithms for autonomous control in low-thrust environments and rapid-response orbital maneuvers.
• Collaborate on spacecraft system architecture, participating in requirements definition, design reviews, and system-level trades.
• Develop and maintain modeling tools to evaluate mission profiles, vehicle dynamics, and control system performance.
• Contribute to design and selection of sensors, actuators, and hardware interfaces for spacecraft control subsystems.
• Lead troubleshooting and prototyping efforts in simulation environments and with flight-representative hardware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• 3+ years of experience designing or implementing GNC systems for spacecraft, autonomous vehicles, or robotics operating in harsh environments.
• Strong background in orbital mechanics, attitude control, and estimation theory.
• Proficiency in Python, C , or C for numerical algorithm development and simulation.
• Experience with quaternion mathematics, coordinate frame transformations, and geometric algebra.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver well-documented, testable code using modern software development tools.
• Familiarity with the full spacecraft GNC lifecycle, from modeling and simulation through integration and operations.

Preferred Experience

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in aerospace or related engineering field.
• Experience developing GNC systems for autonomous spacecraft, RPOD, or in-space maneuvering vehicles.
• Exposure to modern astrodynamics libraries such as Orekit, SPICE, or Astropy.
• Practical understanding of Kalman filters, optimization algorithms, and control stability methods.
• Background in flight/ground software used in space missions, including embedded systems.
• Familiarity with trajectory optimization, low-thrust control, and Monte Carlo analysis.
• Experience building or using real-time simulation environments or test frameworks such as SITL or HILS.
• Publications or demonstrated contributions to aerospace research, tools, or algorithms.

Why Join Us

• Work at the forefront of in-space autonomy and mobility
• High-impact role with ownership of key spacecraft control systems
• Equity participation with strong long-term growth potential
• Flexible work environment and flat team structure
• Competitive benefits and strong support for personal/professional development
• Excellent PTO policy to support a healthy work-life balance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with employer contributions
• Regular team events, collaborative work culture, and a shared mission to shape the future of space operations

Compensation Details

130,000 - $180,000