Autonomy-Driven Spacecraft GNC Engineer

Quantum Space; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Space seeks an experienced Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to own GNC development across the spacecraft lifecycle, from mission analysis to on-orbit support. You will implement control laws, perform state estimation, and integrate GNC algorithms into flight software, working with avionics, systems, and mission ops.

The role requires a strong foundation in dynamics and control, hands-on experience with C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink, and the ability to operate in a

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
• 3–8+ years of experience in spacecraft or high-reliability GNC development.
• Strong foundation in rigid-body dynamics, orbital mechanics, and classical/modern control theory.
• Experience implementing estimation and control algorithms in C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience with sensor fusion for spacecraft-relevant sensors (IMUs, star trackers, sun sensors, GNSS).
• Familiarity with flight software integration, SIL/HIL testing, and simulation pipelines.
• Ability to analyze telemetry, validate performance, and debug GNC-related anomalies.
• Systems-level awareness across avionics, software, and dynamics.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, hardware-integrated environment with shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity spacecraft dynamics and GNC simulation environments for analysis and design.
• Implement and tune control laws for attitude control, momentum management, orbit maneuvers, RPO, and station-keeping.
• Perform state estimation design and analysis (EKF/UKF, sensor fusion, GPS/IMU, star & sun sensors).
• Support integration of GNC algorithms into flight software, including unit tests, SIL/HIL, and full-vehicle simulation.
• Collaborate with avionics and sensor teams to define ICDs, data flows, timing, and budgets.
• Analyze telemetry to evaluate GNC performance and update algorithms.
• Develop tools to improve autonomous maneuver planning and estimation accuracy.
• Support fault management logic and safe-mode development with FSW and systems engineering.
• Specify hardware components with systems team and coordinate with vendors.
• Develop and execute GNC hardware acceptance and test plans.
• Participate in MCR/PDR/CDR and early-orbit commissioning support.
• Contribute to rapid iteration cycles refining autonomy across spacecraft builds.

Skills

GNC development

Dynamics & control

Sensor fusion

Flight software

Telemetry analysis

Systems engineering

Education

B.S./M.S. in Aerospace Eng

Tools

C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Quantum Space seeks an experienced Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to own GNC development across the spacecraft lifecycle, from mission analysis to on-orbit support. You will implement control laws, perform state estimation, and integrate GNC algorithms into flight software, working with avionics, systems, and mission ops.

The role requires a strong foundation in dynamics and control, hands-on experience with C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink, and the ability to operate in a