Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer

Starcloud; Woodinville (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Discretionary bonuses

401(k) retirement plan with company: 1

Medical, vision, dental coverage

Disability insurance

Paid parental leave

Generous vacation and holidays

Job summary

Starcloud is hiring a GNC Engineer to own the ADCS of our in-orbit data centers. You will develop algorithms, simulations, and tools, and support on-call operations to ensure peak network performance.

You will apply orbital mechanics, state estimation, and control theory while contributing to architecture reviews, production code, and detailed documentation. This startup role emphasizes rapid problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience in developing, debugging, and deploying software for spacecraft GNC.
• Deep understanding of orbital mechanics, including low thrust trajectory optimization and stationkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement high-reliability and high-performance GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, and dashboards.
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews to ensure high-quality software solutions.
• Conduct comprehensive data analysis to review performance metrics from various elements of the satellite constellation and network.
• Produce detailed technical documentation for programs, algorithms, and analytical methods.
• Support on-call operations rotation, commanding satellites, and reviewing network data to maintain optimal network performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance GNC system performance and ensure seamless integration.
• Perform constellation design and optimization, fleet management, satellite orbit transfer automation, and collision avoidance.
• Conduct constellation-level and network-level analysis of both existing and proposed satellite systems.

Skills

GNC software

Orbital mechanics

State estimation

Control theory

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Job description

About This Role

Company Overview:

Starcloud is building a network of data centers in space, starting at kilowatts and scaling to gigawatt capacity. Falling launch costs allow us to take advantage of the abundant energy, radiative cooling techniques, and ability to rapidly scale in space. Join our team, push the boundaries of the space economy, and be part of this pioneering effort to redefine the future of energy.

Position Overview:

As a GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer at Starcloud, you will own the ADCS of our in-orbit data centers. You will be instrumental in developing algorithms, simulations, and tools, demanding an innovative and highly skilled individual with a strong foundation in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, and software development. You will be responsible for selecting ADCS architectures, creating and maintaining production code, performing detailed performance analysis, and supporting on-call operations to ensure our satellite network operates at peak efficiency.

Responsibilities

Algorithm and Software Development:

• Develop and implement high-reliability and high-performance GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, and dashboards


• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews to ensure high-quality software solutions.


• Conduct comprehensive data analysis to review performance metrics from various elements of the satellite constellation and network.


• Produce detailed technical documentation for programs, algorithms, and analytical methods.

System Integration and Support:

• Support on-call operations rotation, commanding satellites, and reviewing network data to maintain optimal network performance.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance GNC system performance and ensure seamless integration.

Optimization and Analysis:

• Perform constellation design and optimization, fleet management, satellite orbit transfer automation, and collision avoidance.


• Conduct constellation-level and network-level analysis of both existing and proposed satellite systems.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.


• Experience in developing, debugging, and deploying software for spacecraft GNC


• Deep understanding of orbital mechanics, including low thrust trajectory optimization and stationkeeping.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline or Physics


• Proven experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance through simulation and validating simulation models.


• Expertise in state estimation, particularly in attitude determination, orbit determination, GNSS, and radio navigation.


• Familiarity with numerical probability of collision methods such as Alfano, Foster, and Hall.


• Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft flight disciplines, including structures, propulsion, avionics, GNC, flight software, dynamics, launch and mission operations, and integration.


• Exceptional problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.


• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, startup environment.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones.


• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations.

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits:

Annual salary:

L1: $120,000 - $155,000

L2: $145,000 - $195,000

Starcloud offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Stock options, discretionary bonuses, and other long-term incentives.


• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.


• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.


• Short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.


• Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Starcloud is committed to fostering an inclusive and meritocratic workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify our Human Resources Department.

Join Starcloud and shape the future!

Embrace the challenge, push technological boundaries, and contribute to solving the global energy challenge.

We receive many applications, and so we apologize that we may not be able to respond to every applicant.