GNC Engineer

ACE Partners; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ACE Partners is seeking a GN&C Engineer in Torrance, CA to develop and validate flight-critical algorithms for autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, and precision maneuvering. You will contribute to ADCS, orbit determination, and state estimation, while running simulations and supporting HIL testing.

The role requires a strong background in control systems, Kalman filtering, and MATLAB/Simulink with Python and C/C++ proficiency to enable robust, flight-ready software for space missions.

Qualifications

• Degree in aerospace, mechanical, EE or related field.
• Experience with control systems and state estimation.
• Familiarity with Kalman filtering and orbital mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and validate GN&C algorithms for RPO and precision maneuvering.
• Support ADCS, orbit determination, and state estimation development.
• Run simulations and Monte Carlo analyses for validation.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and flight test campaigns.
• Collaborate with flight software, avionics, and mission systems teams.

Skills

GN&C Algorithms

Control systems

Kalman filtering

Orbit mechanics

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C/C++

RPO/formation flying

Education

B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical/EE

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C/C++

Job description

Industry: Aerospace / National Security Space

Compensation: $110,000–$170,000 DOE

Location: Torrance, CA (on-site only)

About the Opportunity

Our client is an early-stage aerospace company building resilient, autonomous spacecraft designed to safeguard critical orbital assets and ensure freedom of action in space. Backed by seed funding, the company is preparing to fly its first spacecraft this year, integrating advanced autonomy and precision control into flight-critical systems.

The Role

We're seeking a GN&C Engineer to work hand-on developing and validating flight-critical algorithms enabling autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations (RPO), and precision maneuvering. You'll contribute directly to ADCS, orbit determination, and state estimation systems, run simulation and Monte Carlo analysis, and support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and flight test campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to design, implementation, and validation of GN&C algorithms for RPO and precision manoeuvring
• Support ADCS, orbit determination, and state estimation development
• Run simulation, Monte Carlo analysis, and performance validation
• Support HIL testing and flight test campaigns
• Collaborate across flight software, avionics, and mission systems teams

Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, EE, or related field
• Experience with control systems, nonlinear dynamics, state estimation (e.g., Kalman filtering)
• Familiarity with relative motion, orbital mechanics, RPO, or formation flying
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++