GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer

Telemetry Today LLC; Tukwila (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Starfish Space in Tukwila, WA is seeking a GNC Engineer to join our autonomous RPOD program. You will help refine flight algorithms and develop autonomous guidance and control software for orbital operations.

Responsibilities include implementing software in Python/C++, validating algorithms, and testing GNC systems during rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking missions in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of GNC experience, preferably in aerospace.
• Proficiency in astrodynamics.
• Working knowledge of satellite guidance and/or control.
• Programming experience in Python and/or C/C++.
• B.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• U.S. person required for ITAR compliance.
• Willing to work from Tukwila, WA.
• Capable of thriving in a dynamic startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Refine flight algorithms to autonomously guide RPOD missions.
• Develop software for autonomous spacecraft controls.
• Test and refine GNC software during RPOD missions.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary startup team.

Skills

GNC

Astrodynamics

Guidance/Control

Python

C/C++

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Starfish Space provides satellite servicing missions with its Otter servicing vehicle, including life extension missions for geostationary satellites and disposal missions for low Earth orbit satellites. Founded in 2019, Starfish has raised over $150M in venture capital funding and built a team of engineers with experience spanning satellite guidance, navigation, control, and autonomous robotics. Starfish has launched several missions to-date, and is focused on delivering Otter satellite servicing missions for SES, the U.S. Space Force, the Space Development Agency, NASA, and others.

Position Description Satellite servicing missions require autonomous, robotic actions in orbit. To fulfill our mission, Starfish developed the Otter servicing vehicle and the CEPHALOPOD guidance software to interact with and maximize the operational value of satellites. GNC Engineers at Starfish Space support the refinement of flight algorithms to autonomously guide satellites during rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD), and relies on guidance, navigation, and control skills. This engineer will do everything ranging from writing software, to developing autonomous flight algorithms, to testing and refining GNC software during breakthrough RPOD missions.

Qualifications

3+ years of experience with GNC, preferably in an aerospace context

Proficiency with astrodynamics

Working knowledge of satellite guidance and/or control

Programming experience in Python and/or C/C++

B.S. degree or equivalent in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar field

Must be a US person (citizen, permanent resident, or designated refugee / asylee)

Willing to work from Tukwila, Washington

Capable of working a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment

ITAR Requirements To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.