Guidance Navigation & Controls Automation Engineer

Sky Limit Systems; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Spaceflight projects

Competitive relocation assistance

Job summary

Sky Limit Systems seeks a GNC Engineer to develop and test real-time flight software for lunar communications missions. You will work on Kalman filters, navigation algorithms, and 6-DOF simulations with multidisciplinary teams.

Role requires C/C++ and Python proficiency, SWIL/HWIL experience, and strong problem-solving skills. On-site Houston, collaborating across hardware and software teams on advanced space systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• 2–7 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Experience with real-time software development.
• Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Python.
• Experience with SWIL or HWIL testing and integration.
• Familiarity with GNC hardware such as IMUs, star trackers, GPS, LiDAR, or optical navigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Support design, development, integration, and testing of spacecraft GNC systems.
• Develop, test, and peer-review flight software using C and C++.
• Collaborate with software and hardware teams for integration and performance.
• Develop and implement Kalman filters and navigation algorithms.
• Run 6-DOF simulations to evaluate spacecraft performance.
• Support SWIL/HWIL testing, including sensor/actuator integration.
• Assist with sensor/actuator selection, modeling, and integration.
• Conduct flight control analysis and assess vehicle stability.
• Support real-time flight software integration, testing, and validation.
• Analyze navigation sensor data and support test planning.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Real-time software

GNC knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Eng

Tools

SWIL

HWIL

Git

JIRA/Agile

Job description

We are seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) Engineer to support the development and testing of spacecraft systems for lunar communications and navigation missions. This role focuses on real-time GNC flight software, flight control automation, hardware integration, and performance analysis for a satellite network designed to connect lunar missions with ground-based communications infrastructure.

The ideal candidate has experience with spacecraft dynamics, real-time software development, and software-in-the-loop (SWIL) or hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop, integrate, and validate GNC systems for advanced space applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, integration, and testing of spacecraft GNC systems
• Develop, test, and peer-review flight software using C and C++
• Collaborate with software and hardware teams to support system integration and performance
• Develop and implement Kalman filters and navigation algorithms
• Execute and analyze six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) simulations to evaluate spacecraft performance
• Support SWIL and HWIL testing, including navigation sensor and effector integration
• Assist with the selection, assessment, modeling, and integration of GNC sensors and actuators
• Conduct flight control analysis and evaluate vehicle performance and stability
• Support real-time flight software integration, testing, and validation
• Analyze navigation sensor data and support sensor testing and test planning
• Contribute to technical documentation, design reviews, and cross-functional engineering activities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• 2–7 years of relevant engineering experience
• Experience with real-time software development
• Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Python
• Experience with software-in-the-loop (SWIL) or hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing and integration
• Familiarity with GNC hardware such as IMUs, star trackers, GPS, LiDAR, or optical navigation systems
• Foundational knowledge of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and flight control systems
• Experience evaluating spacecraft or vehicle performance and stability
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Strong communication, technical writing, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting GNC development for spacecraft or satellite programs
• Hands-on experience with navigation sensor hardware, sensor modeling, and testing
• Knowledge of relative navigation, image processing, or feature detection techniques
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulations and performance analysis
• Familiarity with VxWorks or other real-time operating systems
• Experience with Git version control, JIRA, and Agile development processes
• Experience supporting satellite integration, verification, or testing

Why Join?

• Contribute to innovative spacecraft technology supporting lunar communications and navigation
• Work on complex GNC systems spanning software development, simulation, and hardware integration
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on next-generation space missions
• Gain hands-on experience with real-time flight software and advanced testing environments
• Help advance the infrastructure needed to support future lunar exploration

Interested in learning more? We'd love to connect and discuss this opportunity further.