Guidance Navigation and Control Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options & equity

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k)

Unlimited PTO

Catered lunches

Job summary

Katalyst is seeking a talented GNC engineer to join our Colorado-based team building advanced autonomous spacecraft systems. You will design architectures, implement algorithms, and collaborate across hardware and software to support space missions.

Applicants should have a technical engineering degree, 0-3 years in guidance, navigation and control, Python and C/C++ development, experience with GNC sensors and flight software, and readiness for demanding startup work.

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 developing, debugging, and deploying GNC sensors, effectors and algorithms in real world projects.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven startup atmosphere.
• Proven ability to lead a project from conception to completion.
• Experience with cradle-to-grave spacecraft design, testing, validation, and in-orbit operations.
• Expertise in guidance, navigation, or control; multi-body astrodynamics.
• Experience with Git, Linux, and Basilisk; C/C++ software development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Architect solutions to accomplish space mission objectives with autonomy from hardware and software perspectives.
• Evaluate techniques such as machine learning, physics-informed, stochastic methods, and Kalman Filters.
• Assist in proposal capture with feasibility analysis and engage with DoD, Gov Agencies, and private partners.
• Develop architecture, lead trade studies, and lead GNC team from conception to flight for RPOD missions.
• Design algorithms and tools for orbit determination, state estimation, and uncertainty propagation.
• Analyze and source datasets for training and validation of algorithms.
• Build and test modeling tools for orbital dynamics and sensor modeling.
• Perform six degree of freedom modeling, simulation, and validation of spacecraft dynamics.

Skills

Python

C/C++

GNC

Git

Linux

Basilisk

Astrodynamics

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Git

Linux

Basilisk

Job description

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply 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 exploration 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.

• Stock options & equity
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO
• Catered lunches

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.
• 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
• 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.

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.