About the Role

Our client is seeking a GNC Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and in-orbit operation of guidance, navigation, and control systems for rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) spacecraft, as well as Space Domain Awareness (SDA) platforms. This role combines expertise in orbital mechanics, sensor fusion, optimal control, spacecraft systems, and software development to implement high-precision algorithms that enable autonomous spacecraft operations. The engineer will work closely with hardware, software, and mission teams to develop end-to-end solutions for complex in-space operations.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture and Investigation

Architect autonomous GNC solutions to meet space mission objectives, including SDA and RPOD operations
Evaluate and select algorithmic approaches using machine learning, physics-informed methods, stochastic techniques, and Kalman filters
Support feasibility analysis for proposals and collaborate with government agencies, DoD, commercial partners, and other stakeholders

Architecture Design

Lead trade studies and design GNC system architecture from concept through flight
Develop algorithms, modeling, and simulation tools for orbit determination, state estimation, uncertainty propagation, and sensor fusion
Analyze and source datasets for algorithm training and validation
Build six-degree-of-freedom spacecraft dynamics simulations, sensor models, and visualization tools for RPOD and SDA missions

Implementation

Collaborate with software and hardware teams to implement GNC algorithms in flight software
Support hardware-in-the-loop testing for integrated system validation
Design concepts of operations (CONOPS) addressing spacecraft thermal, power, momentum, and communication constraints
Provide mission operations training and support for operational spacecraft

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a technical engineering discipline (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field)
5+ years of experience in guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) for spacecraft or aerospace systems
Hands-on software development experience in Python
Proven experience developing, debugging, and deploying GNC sensors, actuators, and algorithms in operational applications
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, autonomous, and high-demand environment
Demonstrated success leading projects from concept to completion

Desired Qualifications

Experience with end-to-end spacecraft design, testing, verification/validation, and in-orbit mission operations
Expertise in guidance, navigation, or control subsystems
Experience in multi-body astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and spacecraft dynamics
Proficiency with Git, Linux, and Basilisk software framework
Software development experience in C/C++
Ability to analyze and solve complex technical problems with minimal supervision
Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and cross-team collaboration

Additional Requirements

Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet project schedules and mission milestones

"We are GTN – The Go To Network"