Autonomy-Driven Spacecraft GNC Engineer

Socket.dev; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary + equity

Medical, dental, vision

Generous leave

HSA

401(k) matching

Equity participation

Job summary

Quantum Space in Rockville, MD is seeking a Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to own GNC development across the spacecraft lifecycle, including mission analysis, modeling and simulation, guidance, navigation, and control algorithm development.

The role involves integrating GNC algorithms into flight software, hardware integration and test, and on-orbit mission support with a fast-paced, startup-like environment.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, robotics or related field.
• 3–8+ years of space GNC development experience.
• Strong knowledge of rigid-body dynamics and orbital mechanics.
• Experience implementing estimation and control in C++, Python or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience with sensor fusion for space sensors (IMUs, star trackers, GNSS).
• Familiarity with flight software integration, SIL/HIL testing, and simulation pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity GNC simulations for analysis and mission design.
• Implement and tune attitude control and orbit maneuvers.
• Design state estimation pipelines (EKF/UKF) and sensor fusion.
• Integrate GNC algorithms into flight software and validate with tests.
• Collaborate across avionics, software, and dynamics teams to meet performance budgets.

Skills

Spacecraft dynamics

GNC development

Control theory

C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink

Sensor fusion

Flight software integration

SIL/HIL testing

Education

B.S./M.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Robotics

Tools

SIL/HIL tooling

Job description

Quantum Space in Rockville, MD is seeking a Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to own GNC development across the spacecraft lifecycle, including mission analysis, modeling and simulation, guidance, navigation, and control algorithm development.

The role involves integrating GNC algorithms into flight software, hardware integration and test, and on-orbit mission support with a fast-paced, startup-like environment.