GNC Engineer

Katalyst; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation bonus

Employee Stock Option plan

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Comprehensive medical, vision, and牙eht

Job summary

Katalyst is building robotic spacecraft for dynamic space operations, offering ownership from concept to flight. The team emphasizes hands-on problem solving and impactful, real-world results, in a demanding startup environment.

The role focuses on architecture, design, and implementation of autonomous GNC solutions, with collaboration across hardware, software, and mission operations. It requires strong Python, C/C++, and systems understanding.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical engineering discipline
• 0–3 years of experience in guidance, navigation and control
• Software development experience in Python
• Experience deploying GNC sensors, effectors and algorithms in real-world projects
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, autonomously driven startup environment
• Proven ability to lead a project from conception to completion

Responsibilities

• Architect solutions for space mission objectives around space domain awareness with autonomy from hardware and software perspectives
• Evaluate techniques (ML, physics-informed, stochastic methods, Kalman Filters) for mission success
• Assist in proposal capture with feasibility analyses and engagement with DoD, government agencies and partners
• Develop architecture, lead trade studies and guide GNC team from concept to flight for RPOD missions
• Design algorithms, simulations, and tools for orbit determination and state estimation
• Build/test modeling tools for orbital/cislunar dynamics, sensor modeling and visualization
• Collaborate with software and GNC teams to implement flight algorithms in flight software
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing and CONOPS balancing thermal/power/momentum/communications
• Provide mission operations training and support

Skills

Python

C/C++

Git

Linux

Basilisk

Spacecraft dynamics

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Git

Linux

Basilisk

Job description

Katalyst Description

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You'll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it's harder. You'll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture and Investigation

Architect solutions necessary to accomplish space mission objectives around space domain awareness and RPOD with an emphasis on autonomy, from both a hardware and software perspective.

Evaluate and select appropriate techniques to achieve mission such as machine learning methods, physics-informed solutions, stochastic methods, Kalman Filters, etc.

Assist in proposal capture efforts with feasibility analysis and engage with private/public partners, Department of Defense, Other Government Agencies, and other commercial partnerships.

Architecture Design

Develop architecture, lead trade studies and lead GNC team from conceptualization to flight for RPOD missions

Design algorithms, simulations, and tools for orbit determination, state estimation, uncertainty propagation to support SDA efforts

Analyze and source datasets for training and validation or algorithm performance.

Build and test modeling and simulation tools for orbital/cislunar dynamics, sensor modeling, and visualization.

Six degree of freedom modeling, simulation and validation of space craft dynamics, sensors and algorithms, including for RPOD missions.

Implementation

Collaborate with the software and GNC teams to implement algorithm in flight software.

Heavily support hardware-in-the-loop testing for integrated system validation.

Design concepts of operations (CONOPS) that balance thermal, power, momentum and communications for spacecraft missions.

Provide mission operations training and support.

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor's degree in a technical engineering discipline

0-3 years of experience working in guidance, navigation, and control

Software development experience in Python

Experience developing, debugging, and deploying GNC sensors, effectors and algorithms that have been used in real world applications/projects

Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere

Proven ability to lead a project from conception to completion

Desired:

Experience with cradle-to-grave spacecraft design, testing, verification/validation and in-orbit mission operations

Expertise in either guidance, navigation or control

Experience with multi-body astrodynamics

Experience with Git, Linux and Basilisk

Software development experience in C/C++

Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

Additional Requirements :

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $90,000 - $150,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

Equal Opportunity Statement

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.