GNC Autonomy Engineer for Spacecraft Missions

Redwire; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Redwire Space in Chantilly, VA is seeking an Autonomy Engineer focused on Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) to design and deliver core spacecraft systems for on-orbit operation. You’ll work across the full lifecycle from algorithm design to mission operations, collaborating with avionics, propulsion, and mission teams.

The role requires 2+ years in GNC software engineering, strong MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C++, and Linux skills, and a foundation in orbital mechanics. U.S.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional software engineering experience focused on Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC).
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C++, and Linux-based development workflows.
• Background in orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, estimation, and control theory.

Responsibilities

• Build and integrate GNC software and hardware subsystems across all orbital regimes.
• Develop software-defined autonomy that enables precise maneuvering, safe navigation, and robust mission execution.
• Design flight-software algorithms and create high-fidelity 6-DOF simulation environments supporting SIL, HIL, and advanced mission analysis.
• Develop and execute validation plans for ground checkout, on-orbit commissioning, and operational phases; support launch campaigns and real-time mission operations.
• Expand and apply sensor-fusion and estimation frameworks (EKF, UKF, batch least-squares) for AOD/AOE, and refine control laws for stability and robustness.

Skills

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C++

Linux-based development

GNC

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

FlatSats

HIL testbeds

digital spacecraft simulators

Job description

Redwire Space in Chantilly, VA is seeking an Autonomy Engineer focused on Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) to design and deliver core spacecraft systems for on-orbit operation. You’ll work across the full lifecycle from algorithm design to mission operations, collaborating with avionics, propulsion, and mission teams.

The role requires 2+ years in GNC software engineering, strong MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C++, and Linux skills, and a foundation in orbital mechanics. U.S.