Guidance Navigation & Control Engineers – Senior/Principal

Jobtailor

Seal Beach (CA)

On-site

USD 180,000 - 240,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a senior GN&C engineer to design and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft in a high-security program.

You will develop 6-DOF simulations, implement GN&C models in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++, and integrate flight software with testbeds and avionics. You will lead teams, mentor engineers, and optimize mission designs while collaborating with multiple stakeholders.

Qualifications

Active Tier 5 Clearance required for access to sensitive programs.
U.S. Citizenship required; sponsor eligibility not provided.
14+ years of related work experience for Level 5 and 20+ years for Level 6.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and verify GN&C guidance and control algorithms.
Develop 6-DOF dynamics simulations and analysis tools.
Integrate flight software with testbeds and avionics.
Lead engineering teams and mentor engineers; communicate results.
Collaborate with systems engineering, avionics, and business teams.

Skills

GN&C Algorithms

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++ Programming

Spacecraft Operations

Leadership & Mentorship

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering/CS/Physics/Math

Tools

Kalman Filters

GPS/INS

Job description

Design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft
Develop and maintain 6-DOF dynamics simulations and associated analysis tools for mission and performance assessment
Implement and validate GN&C flight software using MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes
Integrate flight software with testbeds and avionics
Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design, novel orbit concepts, and trajectory optimization
Develop powered and unpowered guidance laws and autonomy tools for on-orbit operations
Support troubleshooting of operational anomalies, functional tests, and service incidents
Produce concepts of operations, simulation artifacts, and test procedures for rapid iteration from prototype to flight test
Collaborate with systems engineering, avionics, test, and business development teams
Communicate technical tradeoffs to stakeholders
Identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and implement reusable tools and automations
Lead engineering project teams, mentor engineers, and advance GN&C job practices and techniques

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
Active Tier 5 (T5) Clearance, formerly known as Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)
14+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience for Level 5
Engineering experience with spacecraft
Experience using MATLAB and Simulink
Experience developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations
20+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience for Level 6
Ability to work effectively in broad, minimally defined design spaces and communicate technical results clearly
Experience with spacecraft operations and space environment effects
Programming experience in C/C++ or comparable languages sufficient to implement and test GN&C algorithms
Familiarity with state estimation and sensor fusion, including Kalman filters, GPS/INS
Background in classical and modern control theory and nonlinear control design
Model-based development experience and flight test support
Experience leading, mentoring, and engaging individuals and teams
Experience providing active mentorship and career guidance
U.S. Person status required under U.S. export control compliance requirements
U.S. citizenship required for the security clearance
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status
Successful candidates must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest assessment process
Post-offer applicants and employees may be subject to drug and alcohol testing when criteria are met

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, utilizing MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++. Proven ability to lead engineering teams, mentor engineers, and effectively communicate technical results in complex design environments.

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