GNC Engineer

Jobtailor; Alaska; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a GNC engineer for design and development of attitude, orbit, and pointing control algorithms. You will build flight software, simulation tools, and spacecraft autonomy features for constellation management.

You will implement control on hardware, run extensive simulations, and perform fault-detection planning while collaborating with cross-functional teams across multiple sites. Prior DoD clearance is a plus, and Alaska-based travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of professional experience in GNC/ADCS, spacecraft dynamics, flight testing, or related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft/vehicle dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory.
• Proficiency in C/C++, MATLAB, and Python, including numerical simulation and analysis.
• Familiarity with GNC hardware and software components including gyroscopes, accelerometers, star trackers, actuators, and control algorithms.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and STK or comparable GNC simulation tools.
• Prior experience interfacing with aerospace customers (DoD/government or commercial).
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop GNC algorithms for attitude, orbit, and precision pointing control.
• Design flight software, simulation products, and spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management.
• Develop GNC software modules and interfaces with software engineers.
• Implement flight control algorithms on flight control system hardware.
• Conduct spacecraft dynamics analysis and simulations.
• Run trade studies and optimize GNC configurations for power, mass, and cost.
• Perform hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop analyses.
• Define fault detection and response strategies for GNC subsystems.
• Collaborate with spacecraft, payload, and avionics engineers on system requirements.

Skills

GNC Algorithm Development

C/C++ Programming

MATLAB/Simulink Proficiency

Spacecraft Dynamics Analysis

Control Theory

Telemetry Analysis

Rendezvous and Proximity Operations

Flight Software Development

DoD Secret Security Clearance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's or PhD Preferred

Active DoD Secret Security Clearance

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

STK

Jira

IMUs

Gyroscopes

Star Trackers

Reaction Wheels

Flight Control Systems

Ground Control Communications

Job description

• Design and develop GNC algorithms for attitude determination and control, orbit determination and control, and precision pointing


• Design flight software, algorithms, simulation products, and spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management


• Develop GNC software modules and interfaces with software engineers


• Implement flight control algorithms onto flight control system hardware


• Conduct spacecraft and vehicle dynamics analysis and simulations


• Perform trade studies and recommend optimal GNC configurations considering power, mass, and cost


• Run hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, Monte Carlo, and iron-bird analyses


• Define fault detection and response strategies for GNC subsystems


• Select GNC components and lead GNC subsystem design


• Develop blended attitude solutions from multiple sensor data sources


• Collaborate with spacecraft, payload, and avionics engineers on system requirements and integration


• Develop and execute GNC system test plans and procedures


• Support subscale-to-full-scale testing and flight-test activities, including travel as needed


• Analyze telemetry to diagnose and troubleshoot GNC anomalies and performance issues


• Support on-orbit or in-flight operations and anomaly resolution


• Support internal and external design reviews


• Plan and maintain schedules, milestones, and technical status reporting with department leads and program managers


• Coordinate distributed engineering teams across multiple sites


• Assist with technical proposals, project estimates, and resolution of technical conflicts


• Track industry advancements and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience


• 2+ years of professional experience in GNC/ADCS, spacecraft dynamics, flight testing, or a related discipline


• Strong knowledge of spacecraft/vehicle dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory


• Proficiency in C/C++, MATLAB, and Python, including numerical simulation and analysis


• Familiarity with GNC hardware and software components, including gyroscopes, accelerometers, star trackers, actuators, and control algorithms


• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and STK or comparable GNC simulation tools


• Prior experience directly interfacing with commercial or government aerospace customers


• Master's or PhD in a related engineering field preferred


• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one


• Hands-on experience with IMUs, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware


• Experience with rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) design and operations


• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight software


• Knowledge of CCSDS, ECSS, and GPS/GNSS standards and protocols


• Experience with autopilot, flight control, ground control communications, or air vehicle subsystem integration and testing


• Familiarity with Part 23/27 aircraft certification requirements


• Experience with Jira or similar planning and workflow tools


• Prior experience mentoring junior engineers or leading a team across a project lifecycle


• Experience working on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing across a team


• Experience with GNC-related business development or conceptual design work


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills


• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and collaboration skills


• Ability to work independently and within a team-oriented environment


• Strong initiative, ownership of work products, and commitment to continuous improvement


• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment


• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills


• Must satisfy U.S. export-control requirements as a U.S. person under 22 C.F.R. or otherwise meet applicable requirements

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in GNC algorithm design and development, including flight software and spacecraft autonomy tools. Proficient in spacecraft dynamics analysis, control theory, and simulation tools, with a strong focus on collaboration and communication across engineering teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• GNC Algorithm Development


• C/C++ Programming


• MATLAB/Simulink Proficiency


• Spacecraft Dynamics Analysis


• DoD Secret Security Clearance

Hard Skills

• GNC Algorithm Design


• Flight Software Development


• Numerical Simulation


• Control Theory


• Spacecraft Autonomy Tools


• Telemetry Analysis


• Fault Detection Strategies


• Rendezvous and Proximity Operations


• GNC Hardware Experience


• Flight Control Systems

Soft Skills

• Analytical Problem-Solving


• Excellent Communication


• Team Collaboration


• Attention to Detail


• Strong Initiative

Certifications & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering


• Master's or PhD Preferred


• DoD Secret Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

• GNC/ADCS


• Orbital Mechanics


• Flight Testing


• CCSDS Standards


• ECSS Standards


• GPS/GNSS Protocols


• Part 23/27 Certification


• Aerospace Engineering


• Spacecraft Dynamics


• Continuous Improvement

Tools & Technologies

• MATLAB


• Simulink


• STK


• Jira


• IMUs


• Gyroscopes


• Star Trackers


• Reaction Wheels


• Flight Control Systems


• Ground Control Communications