Autonomous Spacecraft GNC Software Engineer

Xona Space Systems; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona Space Systems in Burlingame, CA, is seeking a GNC Software Engineer to design, implement, and validate flight software for autonomous spacecraft operations. You will work on estimators, controllers, state machines, and GNC interfaces across simulation and on-orbit environments.

The role emphasizes model-based development with MATLAB/Simulink, C++, Python, and rigorous testing in SIL/HIL, with close collaboration across GNC, Flight Software, and simulation teams.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience developing GNC software for autonomous platforms
• Hands-on experience implementing estimators, controllers, and state machines
• Experience with model-based development and automatic code generation using MATLAB/Simulink
• Proficiency in C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate GNC algorithms using model-based development processes
• Implement state machines and FDIR logic for robust autonomous operations
• Develop and maintain GNC software interfaces within the flight software architecture
• Design, implement, and maintain SIL/HIL test campaigns to validate GNC performance
• Develop unit tests and regression tests to ensure software reliability
• Collaborate with simulation, hardware, and Flight Software teams to support end-to-end GNC system integration

Skills

GNC software development

C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Unit tests

Git

Linux development

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering

Tools

Git

Linux

Job description

Xona Space Systems in Burlingame, CA, is seeking a GNC Software Engineer to design, implement, and validate flight software for autonomous spacecraft operations. You will work on estimators, controllers, state machines, and GNC interfaces across simulation and on-orbit environments.

The role emphasizes model-based development with MATLAB/Simulink, C++, Python, and rigorous testing in SIL/HIL, with close collaboration across GNC, Flight Software, and simulation teams.