Principal GNC Engineer
About Us
We develop next-generation spacecraft solutions for autonomous orbital operations and space situational awareness. Using advanced machine learning and filtering algorithms, we process data from distributed sensor networks to establish comprehensive space domain monitoring capabilities. Our team thrives on innovation and rapid iteration, offering an environment where engineers make immediate impact on challenging spaceflight problems.
Responsibilities
System Architecture & Development
- Design end-to-end GNC solutions for autonomous spacecraft operations and space surveillance missions.
- Research and implement advanced techniques including ML algorithms, physics-based models, and state estimation frameworks.
- Lead GNC system development from concept through flight implementation for proximity operations.
- Create algorithms and simulation environments for orbit determination, state estimation, and 6-DOF spacecraft dynamics modelling.
Integration & Leadership
- Partner with software teams to integrate algorithms into flight systems and drive hardware-in-the-loop testing.
- Develop operational procedures optimizing spacecraft resources and provide mission operations support.
- Manage cross-functional project teams, mentor junior engineers, and deliver projects on schedule.
- Support business development through technical feasibility assessments and stakeholder engagement.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
- 5+ years hands-on experience developing and deploying GNC systems for space missions
- Demonstrated flight heritage with GNC systems on operational spacecraft missions
- Leadership experience managing GNC system development from design through flight operations
- Experience with autonomous proximity operations and rendezvous missions
- Strong background in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) applications and methodologies
- Expertise in optical navigation techniques and sensor fusion algorithms
- Proficiency in machine learning applications for spacecraft navigation and control
- Experience with state estimation algorithms and advanced estimation techniques
- Hands-on experience with Basilisk spacecraft simulation framework
- Python programming proficiency for flight software development
- Ability to excel in fast-paced start-up environment
Preferred
- Computer vision experience with spacecraft sensors and camera systems
- Multi-body orbital mechanics and cislunar dynamics expertise
- C/C++ programming for embedded flight systems
- Experience with real-time flight software development and testing
- Hardware-in-the-loop testing and system integration experience
- Git version control and Linux development environments
- Strong technical communication and documentation skills