GNC Engineer

Relative Dynamics; Glen Burnie (MD); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Relative Dynamics is seeking a GNC Software Engineer to work on a hybrid basis from Houston, TX or Glen Burnie, MD, supporting a Commercial Space project. You will develop, test, and peer review GNC flight software in C and C++, and collaborate with cross-functional teams across software and hardware systems.

The role emphasizes trajectory analysis, sensor integration, and real-time navigation in a lunar mission context, with a focus on Kalman filtering, HWIL/SWIL testing, and multi-disciplinary

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field with 3–7 years of relevant experience.
• Experience developing and implementing Kalman Filters.
• Experience with real-time software development.
• Familiarity with GN&C hardware including IMU, Star Trackers, GPS, LIDAR, and/or OpNav systems.
• Experience with SWIL and/or HWIL testing and integration.
• Exposure to relative navigation, image processing, or feature detection techniques.
• Experience supporting flight control analysis and evaluating vehicle performance and stability.
• Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Python.
• Experience with GN&C sensor testing, planning, or modeling.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Foundational knowledge of spacecraft dynamics and orbital mechanics.
• Experience with JIRA and Agile development processes.
• Familiarity with VxWorks or other real-time operating systems is a plus.
• Experience with Git version control preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Work in a fast-paced commercial space environment on upcoming high-profile lunar missions.
• Contribute to the US’s return to lunar operations.
• Perform trajectory analysis and generation for cislunar missions, rapidly responding to customer requests.
• Generate analysis that drives mission requirements.
• Contribute to the design, development, and testing of the GNC system for a satellite.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams across software and hardware systems.
• Develop, test, and peer review GNC flight software in C and C++.
• Support the selection, assessment, and integration of GNC sensors and effector systems.
• Execute and analyze 6-DOF simulations to evaluate expected on-orbit performance.
• Support navigation HWIL sensor and effector integration and testing for the lunar mission.
• Assist in real-time flight software development, integration, and testing for the satellite.

Skills

Kalman filters

Real-time software

GN&C concepts

C/C++

Python

JIRA & Agile

Git

VxWorks

IMU/Star Trackers/GPS

GN&C sensor testing

Education

BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

Git

VxWorks

JIRA

Job description

Career Opportunities with Relative Dynamics

A great place to work.

Share with friends or Subscribe!

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Subscribe to our RSS feeds to receive instant updates as new positions become available.

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011 our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering services and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamics.space.

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting a Commercial Space contract. In this role, you will be employed by Relative Dynamics and assigned to work on projects in support of a Commercial Space project.

Relative Dynamics is seeking a GNC Engineer. This is a hybrid role based out of Houston, TX or Glen Burnie, MD. This role is not eligible for remote work.

As a GNC Software Engineer:

What You’ll Get to Do:

Work in a fast-paced commercial space environment on upcoming high-profile lunar missions

Contribute to the US’s return to lunar operations

Perform trajectory analysis and generation for cislunar missions, rapidly responding to customer requests

Generate analysis that plays a major role in driving mission requirements

Contribute to the design, development, and testing of the GNC system for a satellite

Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams across software and hardware systems

Develop, test, and peer review GNC flight software in C and C++

Support the selection, assessment, and integration of GNC sensors and effector systems

Execute and analyze 6-DOF simulations to evaluate expected on-orbit performance

Support navigation HWIL sensor and effector integration and testing for the lunar mission

Assist in real-time flight software development, integration, and testing for the satellite.

What You’ll Need:

Required & Desired Skills

BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field with 3–7 years of relevant experience

Experience developing and implementing Kalman Filters

Experience with real-time software development

Familiarity with GN&C hardware including IMU, Star Trackers, GPS, LIDAR, and/or OpNav systems

Experience with SWIL and/or HWIL testing and integration

Exposure to relative navigation, image processing, or feature detection techniques

Experience supporting flight control analysis and evaluating vehicle performance and stability

Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Python

Experience with GN&C sensor testing, planning, or modeling

Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment

Foundational knowledge of spacecraft dynamics and orbital mechanics

Experience with JIRA and Agile development processes

Familiarity with VxWorks or other real-time operating systems is a plus

Experience with Git version control preferred

Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills

Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively

Required & Desired Experience

Hands‑on experience with navigation sensor hardware, Kalman filtering, LIDAR, real‑time software, Monte Carlo analysis, and C/C++ or Python

Experience contributing to GNC development efforts on spacecraft or satellite programs

Prior experience working with or supporting satellite systems

Who You Are:

Effective communicator who can translate complex technical concepts across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders

Customer‑focused, with the ability to support government and agency partners while maintaining high service standards

Dependable and accountable, consistently meeting commitments in regulated and deadline‑driven environments

Productive and results‑oriented, balancing quality, efficiency, and innovation across projects

Collaborative team player who contributes to shared goals and overall organizational success

What You'll Enjoy:

Grow your career with mobility, continuous learning, tuition reimbursement, and a personal development program in a culture that rewards innovation and impact

Join a high‑performing team that works together on meaningful, mission‑driven work and support each other.

Enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life/disability coverage, 401(k) with match, PTO, company holidays, and community engagement opportunities

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.