Call for interest - Junior research fellowship for autonomous spacecraft navigation

Call for interest – Junior research fellowship for autonomous spacecraft navigation

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

🌍 Call for Interest – Junior research fellowship for autonomous spacecraft navigation

About us

NaviGate is a Proof-of-Concept project born at Sapienza University of Rome, with the mission to revolutionize autonomous navigation for small satellites and constellations — both in Earth orbit and beyond. We are developing a plug-and-play onboard system equipped with advanced autonomous navigation software. Our modular system is designed to process multiple types of observables (GNSS, inter-satellite links, images, laser, altimetry...), making it adaptable to a wide range of missions and operating environments.

The project is supported by Galaxia, Italy’s national aerospace tech transfer hub, and is already engaged in collaborations with key industrial and academic players. Our long‑term vision is to bring this technology to market through a dedicated startup — increasing access to precision navigation for new‑generation space missions.

Our team brings together deep expertise in orbital mechanics, radiometric tracking, and space mission analysis, with experience on ESA, NASA, and ASI programs. We combine scientific excellence with a clear entrepreneurial path forward.

Join us at the beginning of something with the potential to reshape spacecraft autonomy.

🔗 More about the project: www.navigate‑space.com

We are now collecting expressions of interest for a 12-month junior position (starting December 2025) that will be funded through a university research fellowship (borsa di ricerca).

Key activities (tailored to your profile)

You will support the development activities of our onboard navigation system, based on your skills and interests:

• Development of real-time autonomous navigation software in C/C++
• Design of a flexible architecture for integrating multiple data types (GNSS, radio, images…)
• Implementation of the software on embedded hardware platforms
• Test campaigns and ground‑based validation
• Preparation for a technology demonstration, including an in‑orbit test

You don’t need to be an expert in all of these — we’re looking for someone with strong fundamentals, a proactive attitude, and a willingness to learn.

Skills that would be welcome (but not mandatory)

• Experience with C/C++, especially for embedded or real‑time applications
• Familiarity with microcontrollers, SoCs, or low‑level board programming
• Exposure to GNSS, sensor fusion, or space‑related software
• Knowledge of spacecraft guidance strategies
• An interest in software architecture, autonomy, or flight systems

We encourage applications even from those who don’t check all the boxes — if the project excites you and you’re motivated to grow, we want to hear from you.

• Recently completed a master’s degree in aerospace, electronics, computer engineering, or related fields
• Curious, motivated, and comfortable working in a research‑oriented environment
• Interested in contributing to a startup‑minded team, with the potential to remain involved beyond the 12‑month grant

The opportunity

• Monthly net compensation in the range of €1500–1600, depending on qualifications
• A chance to work at the intersection of cutting‑edge space technology and autonomous systems
• A role in a fast‑moving project, with real impact and visibility
• The opportunity to continue as part of the startup team after the PoC phase

This is a unique opportunity to work on an early‑stage innovation project that may soon become a product in orbit. You’ll gain real, hands‑on experience across disciplines and help build something meaningful from the ground up — with room to grow with the team as it evolves into a company.

If you'd like to be considered when the official research grant is published, please send a short message with your CV and a few lines about your interest to: info@navigate-space.com

We’d love to get in touch!