GNC Engineer

The Exploration Company GmbH; Delaware; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Exploration Company is seeking a GNC Engineer to contribute to the design, testing, verification, and validation of spacecraft GNC systems. You will work on all lifecycle stages from conceptual design to post-flight analysis, implementing GNC algorithms and integrating code into Flight Software.

Ideal candidates have MSc in Aerospace or related field, strong dynamics and control knowledge, experience with flight physics simulations, and proficiency in C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink.

Qualifications

• MSc or higher in aerospace or related field.
• Strong understanding of classical dynamics, orbital and flight mechanics.
• Experience with flight physics simulation.
• Fluent in English; German/French a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement AOCS/GNC subsystems for diverse spacecraft missions.
• Develop, test, verify, and validate GNC algorithms and software.
• Integrate GNC code into Flight Software and simulate with high-fidelity models.
• Create tools to automate GNC design, analysis, and reporting.
• Perform trades and studies to improve spacecraft performance and reliability.
• Conduct hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop validation.

Skills

C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Flight dynamics

Control theory

Estimation methods

English fluency

Education

MSc in Aerospace or related engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

C++

Python

Job description

Introduction

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity.

We want you as a talented GNC Engineer to contribute to the GNC subsystem design, testing, verification and validation of our vehicles.

Key Responsibilities:

As a GNC Engineer, you must have a firm grasp of spacecraft GNC concepts and applications. You will work on all aspects of the GNC life cycle: spacecraft and mission conceptual design, subsystem requirements development, algorithm development, software implementation and testing, operations, and post-flight analysis.

In your capacity as a GNC Engineer, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include to:

• Participate in the design and implementation of the AOCS/GNC subsystem of The Exploration Company’ spacecraft for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include LEO operations, Reentry, and Rendezvous and Docking.
• Design, synthesis, test, implementation, verification, and validation of GNC algorithms.
• Implement the GNC code into the Flight Software.
• Develop high fidelity 6 degrees of freedom models and simulations to analyze the system performance.
• Perform design, optimization, and dispersion analysis.
• Perform multi-disciplinary spacecraft systems trades and investigations to improve The Exploration Company’ spacecraft performance and reliability.
• AOCS/GNC hardware specification, selection, modeling and simulation.
• Develop software automation tools for GNC design, analysis, testing and reporting.
• Validate and verify your GNC software via algorithm unit testing, Monte Carlo analysis, and software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Reporting of test results and analysis, with a focus on efficiency and automation of documentation.

Your profile

What we would love to see from you:

In the role of GNC Engineer ideally, you will have the following:

• MSc. in Aerospace or related engineering discipline. A higher degree is considered advantageous.
• Strong understanding of classical dynamics, orbital and flight mechanics.
• Strong understanding of control and estimation techniques.
• Experience with flight physics simulation.
• Software development experience in C++, Python and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry.
• Highly motivated to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up environment.
• Fluent in English. German or French is an asset.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind
• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them
• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.
All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible.
If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.